Iran, Russia start joint naval drill in Indian Ocean

TEHRAN: Iran’s armed forces on Tuesday launched a joint naval drill with Russia in the north of the Indian Ocean designed to “enhance security” of maritime trade, state television reported.

The “Maritime Security Belt Exercise” is to cover an area of 17,000 sq km and include units from the Iranian army and the elite Revolutionary Guards as well as Russia’s navy, the broadcaster quoted drill spokesman Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani as saying.

“The purposes of this drill are to enhance security of international maritime trade, confront maritime piracy and terrorism, and exchange information,” he added.

Russia’s Baltic Fleet said in a statement on Monday that three ships will take part in the drill.

Exercises will include “liberating a commercial ship abducted by pirates,” and fighting fires, it said.

According to Tahani, the Indian navy will also join the exercise, in a message of “peace and friendship for neighbouring and regional countries.”

Iran’s state news agency IRNA said the drill is to last three days.

The Iranian army said the exercises will also “expand bilateral relations” with Russia.

Iran, China and Russia held a similar drill in the area in 2019, and the Islamic republic participated in “Caucus 2020” drills held in Russia last September.

Germany is warning Iran against blocking inspections by the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA, a diplomatic source in Berlin said on Tuesday.

“It would be completely unacceptable should Iran obstruct IAEA inspections,” the German diplomat said.

“We urge Iran to refrain from this step, and are in close contact regarding this issue with our partners, including the United States,” the diplomat said, adding Iran needed to contribute to a de-escalation to give diplomacy a chance.

Iran said on Monday it will block snap inspections by the IAEA from next week if other parties to the 2015 nuclear deal do not uphold their obligations, a challenge to US President Joe Biden’s hope of reviving the accord.