Russia, Iran to hold joint naval drills in Indian ocean, Gulf

Eslam Mohamed

Russia and Iran are planning to hold joint naval drills in the Indian Ocean.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday that Tehran welcomed a Russian proposal for ensuring security in the Gulf.

“We have agreed on a joint naval drill in the Indian Ocean region, and we hope that it will be held by the end of the year,” Hossein Khanzadi told official IRNA news agency.

The coverage of the maneuvers could be extended to the Sea of Oman, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf, according to the Iranian navy commander.

He also informed that during his trip to Russia, General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran signed an MoU with Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to expand mutual ties.

“This is the first MoU of its kind and can be regarded as a turning point in Tehran-Moscow military relations,” he added.

The Commander also said that negotiations have been conducted on development of military cooperation in the Caspian Sea between Iran and Russia and the agreement is being prepared to be signed in the future.

“Today, relations between Iran and Russia are the best in the last 40 years,” he said. “The main reason for this relationship is that Iran, Russia and China understand what the United States wants.”

Earlier on Monday, Zarif held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in an attempt to save the nuclear agreement.

Zarif ruled out the possibility of renegotiating the nuclear deal with Washington, also praising Russia and China for their efforts to maintain the agreement.

He expressed regret that the Europeans did not take the necessary measures to fulfill their obligations under the deal, therefore, Tehran had to keep negotiating adherence regarding the deal.

The action plan, known as the nuclear deal signed in 2015, includes six international powers – Iran, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany.

In an interview to The Reference, researcher in Iranian affairs Mohamed Alaa ed-Din said Tehran pursues a policy of playing on the contradictions between the major powers to strengthen its position against Washington and shield under Russia’s protection.

He pointed out that attempts are underway to reach some form of negotiation between Tehran and Washington with the continuation of international mediation; this is why Iran is trying to strengthen its negotiating position and rapprochement with Russia.