Description

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Context

The joint naval drills signal growing military coordination between Iran, Russia & China while tensions persist in Middle East over maritime security, Iran nuclear deal & US foreign policy.

Key Highlights

Fifth Consecutive Year of Drills: Iran, Russia & China are conducting joint naval exercises for the fifth year in a row demonstrating growing military cooperation.

Exercise Name & Location: "Marine Security Belt 2025" drills are being held near Chabahar Port, Iran a strategic location in Gulf of Oman.

Objectives of the Drills: Enhancing naval coordination & security in international waters. Simulated maritime combat, search & rescue, damage control exercises.

Multinational Observers: Navies from Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, UAE, Sri Lanka are observing exercises.

Rising Military Presence in the Middle East:

US & Western forces have increased patrols in the Red Sea to counter Houthi attacks on Israel-linked vessels.

China & Russia though not regular naval players in the region are strengthening ties with Iran.

Iran Growing Military Engagement: Iran seeks to assert regional dominance and counter US led coalitions in Middle East. Exercises come amid renewed tensions over Iran nuclear program & US sanctions.

Iran Nuclear Deal & US Response: Former US President Donald Trump stated he sent a letter to Iran proposing renewed nuclear deal talks. Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei rejected external pressures accusing US of imposing new demands.

Geopolitical Significance:

Strengthens Iran Russia China axis amid rising US China & US Iran tensions.

Highlights strategic shifts in Middle Eastern security dynamics.

Gulf of Oman

Gulf of Oman is a strategic waterway connecting Arabian Sea with Persian Gulf through Strait of Hormuz one of world most critical chokepoints for oil transportation.

It is bordered by Iran to north & Oman, UAE to south.

Significance:

Energy Transport Hub – key route for oil exports from Middle East to global markets.

Geopolitical Hotspot – Frequent military activities by Iran, US & other regional powers.

Security Threats – Risks from piracy, terrorism, regional tensions (e.g. Iran US confrontations).

Marine Security Belt 2025

Marine Security Belt 2025 is fifth Iran Russia China joint naval drill aimed at enhancing maritime security & military cooperation.

Location: Gulf of Oman near Chabahar Port, Iran.

Duration: Two days.

Participants: Iran, Russia, China with naval observers from 9 countries including Pakistan, UAE, Sri Lanka.

Main Exercises: Striking maritime targets (unmanned boats & UAVs). Search & rescue operations. Damage control drills.

Strategic Goal: Countering US & Western naval influence in the region.

Iran Nuclear Deal

Aspect	Details
Official Name	Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
Signed In	2015
Key Participants	Iran, US (until 2018), UK, France, Germany, Russia, China, EU
Main Objective	To limit Iran nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief.
Iran Commitments	Reduce uranium enrichment, limit centrifuges, allow IAEA inspections.
US Withdrawal	2018 (Donald Trump Administration) leading to renewed sanctions on Iran.
Iran’s Response	Gradual breach of JCPOA limits, resuming uranium enrichment.
Current Status (2025)	Ongoing tensions with Iran refusing stricter terms for a renewed deal.
Geopolitical Impact	Rising Middle East tensions, closer Iran-Russia-China alliance, nuclear proliferation concerns.

Major Ports in Gulf of Oman

Port Name	Country	Strategic Importance
Chabahar Port	Iran	Iran’s only deep-sea port, key for India-Afghanistan trade, alternative to Pakistan’s Gwadar.
Gwadar Port	Pakistan	Part of CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), controlled by China, strategic competitor to Chabahar.
Muscat Port	Oman	A major commercial port, connects Oman to global shipping routes.
Sohar Port	Oman	Industrial and commercial hub, home to a free-trade zone.
Fujairah Port	UAE	One of the world’s largest oil storage and bunkering hubs, critical for energy security.
Duqm Port	Oman	A growing commercial and military hub, hosts US and UK naval forces.

Important Islands in & Near Gulf of Oman

Island Name	Country	Strategic Importance
Hormuz Island	Iran	Located near the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for controlling oil flow.
Qeshm Island	Iran	Iran’s largest island, home to military installations and economic free zones.
Larak Island	Iran	Close to Strait of Hormuz, used for military and oil storage purposes.
Masirah Island	Oman	Hosts Omani Air Force base, strategically located near global shipping lanes.
Daymaniyat Islands	Oman	Marine biodiversity hotspot, key for tourism and conservation.

Geopolitical Importance of These Ports & Islands

Trade & Energy Security – Ports like Chabahar, Gwadar, Fujairah are vital for global oil & gas shipments.

Military Control – Islands like Hormuz & Qeshm allow Iran to monitor & control Strait of Hormuz through which 20% of global oil supply passes.

China Expansion – China has invested heavily in Gwadar as part of its Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) to secure its energy routes.

US & Western Presence – US & its allies maintain bases in Duqm (Oman) & Fujairah (UAE) to counter Iran influence.

Sources:

AL JAZEERA

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Gulf of Oman is not just a waterway but a theatre of global power politics. Critically analyze statement in the context of recent military exercises & energy security.