The Marine Security Belt naval drills are conducted annually by Iran, China, and Russia in the waters near the Gulf of Oman. This region holds strategic significance for global trade, particularly for oil exports.

Russian and Chinese warships arrived in waters off Iran on Monday to participate in annual naval drills alongside Iranian forces.

The main phase of the drills, known as Marine Security Belt, is set to commence on Tuesday near the port city of Chabahar, located on the Gulf of Oman.

According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, the exercises are intended to "strengthen security in the region and expand multilateral cooperation between participating countries."

The Gulf of Oman plays a crucial role in global trade, as it connects to the narrow Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil transportation.

Russia's Defense Ministry announced that it was deploying two corvettes and a tanker from its Pacific Fleet. In a statement, the ministry detailed that over several days in the northern Indian Ocean, crews would practice operations such as liberating captured ships, conducting search and rescue missions, and executing artillery drills against sea and air targets.

China's Defense Ministry stated on social media that it would contribute a destroyer and a supply ship to the exercises.

Iran, meanwhile, confirmed its participation with 10 vessels from both its navy and the Revolutionary Guard.