HONG KONG: Warships from Iran, China, and Russia commenced their annual joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman on Monday, marking another display of military cooperation among the three nations. The “Security Belt-2025” drills, held near the strategic Iranian port of Chabahar, underscore their growing alliance amid escalating global tensions.
This is the fifth such exercise since 2019, as reported by Chinese state media, reinforcing the deepening military coordination between the three authoritarian-leaning powers. Analysts interpret these exercises as a direct challenge to Western-led global order and a counterbalance to U.S. influence in the region and beyond.
However, the geopolitical landscape surrounding this year’s drills is even more pronounced. U.S. President Donald Trump’s foreign policy shifts—particularly his disruption of the transatlantic alliance—have fueled concerns among Western allies. Trump’s efforts to reset relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, alongside pressuring Asian allies to increase payments for U.S. military protection, have further intensified global realignments.
When asked about the joint exercises on Sunday, Trump dismissed concerns, stating, “We’re stronger than all of them. We have more power than all of them”. His remarks, made to Fox News aboard Air Force One, reflect his administration’s confidence despite mounting tensions.
Growing Strategic Partnerships Challenge U.S. Influence
The alliance between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea has drawn increasing scrutiny in Washington, where lawmakers have described it as an “axis of authoritarianism”, an “axis of autocrats”, and an “axis of dictators.” U.S. officials fear that shared animosity toward Washington is driving these nations to collaborate more extensively, amplifying security threats across multiple regions.
Russia’s relationship with North Korea has deepened significantly over the past year. The two countries recently signed a mutual defense agreement, and reports indicate that Pyongyang has deployed troops to support Moscow in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S. and Iran have also intensified. Since reclaiming the presidency, Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign, aiming to cripple Iran’s oil exports and prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iranian officials have condemned these measures as “bullying” tactics designed to destabilize their economy and sovereignty.
Strategic Importance of the Gulf of Oman
The Gulf of Oman is a vital waterway linking the Indian Ocean with the Strait of Hormuz, through which over a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade flows. This makes it a highly strategic region for global energy security. The U.S. maintains a robust presence in the area through its Fifth Fleet, headquartered in Bahrain.
Russia’s Defense Ministry has confirmed that the naval exercises will involve 15 combat ships, support vessels, and gunboats, along with helicopters. State news agency TASS reported that Russia’s contribution includes the Rezky and Russian Hero Aldar Tsydenzhapov corvettes, along with the Pechenega tanker from its Pacific Fleet.
China has deployed its Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Baotou and the supply ship Gaoyouhu, which were already in the vicinity as part of a naval escort task force, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry. Iran, meanwhile, has sent a stealth missile corvette and a patrol ship, as reported by Iranian state media.
The drills aim to “enhance military trust and strengthen practical cooperation” between the three nations. Key activities include simulated strikes on maritime targets, visit-board-search-seizure operations, and search-and-rescue exercises, reflecting their commitment to joint operational readiness.
Implications for Global Security
The timing and scale of these exercises serve as a stark reminder of shifting power dynamics in global security. With the U.S. focused on recalibrating its alliances and addressing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific, China, Russia, and Iran are seizing the opportunity to assert their influence through military collaboration.
As tensions continue to mount, the world watches closely how these strategic partnerships will evolve and what consequences they may hold for the balance of power in international affairs.
