In the Gulf of Oman, a significant military event unfolded as Iran, China, and Russia joined forces for their annual naval exercises. These drills, dubbed “Security Belt-2025, ” marked the fifth time these countries have collaborated in such a manner since 2019. The location, near the Iranian port of Chabahar, added strategic importance to the event. This year, the exercises took on added significance due to the shifting geopolitical landscape. The United States, under President Trump, has been disrupting longstanding Western alliances. This has led to a more pronounced display of military might from these three nations. Trump's approach has involved embracing Russia while sidelining Ukraine and European allies, and pushing Asian allies to shoulder more of the financial burden for US protection.

        The growing partnership among Iran, China, and Russia is seen as a counterbalance to US influence. This alliance challenges the Western-led global order. The optics of these drills are amplified by Trump's actions, which have raised concerns in Washington. Lawmakers have described the emerging strategic partnership among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea as an “axis of authoritarianism. ” The fear is that these countries, driven by a shared animosity toward the US, are amplifying the threat they pose to Washington and its allies.

        The drills come at a time of heightened tension between the US and Iran. Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran, aiming to reduce its oil exports to zero. This move is seen as an attempt to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran has denounced these tactics as “bullying. ” The Gulf of Oman, a crucial gateway connecting the Indian Ocean and the Strait of Hormuz, is a strategic location for these exercises. More than one-quarter of the world’s seaborne traded oil passes through this region. The US maintains a significant presence here via the Fifth Fleet, based out of nearby Bahrain.

        The joint naval exercises involved 15 combat ships, support vessels, and gunboats, along with helicopters. Russia contributed the Rezky and Russian Hero Aldar Tsydenzhapov corvettes, and the Pechenega tanker. China deployed the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Baotou and the supply ship Gaoyouhu. Iran sent a stealth missile corvette and a patrol ship. The exercises included simulated strikes on maritime targets, visit-board-search-seizure operations, and search and rescue drills. These activities aimed to enhance military trust and strengthen practical cooperation among the participating nations.

        The broader context of these exercises is the evolving geopolitical landscape. The US's approach under Trump has led to a more pronounced display of military might from these three nations. The growing partnership among Iran, China, and Russia is seen as a counterbalance to US influence. This alliance challenges the Western-led global order. The optics of these drills are amplified by Trump's actions, which have raised concerns in Washington. Lawmakers have described the emerging strategic partnership among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea as an “axis of authoritarianism. ” The fear is that these countries, driven by a shared animosity toward the US, are amplifying the threat they pose to Washington and its allies.

BAOTOU

Three Nations Unite for Naval Showdown