China, Iran, and Russia conduct collaborative naval exercises in the Middle East

China, Iran, and Russia engaged in joint naval exercises on Tuesday in the Middle East, demonstrating military strength in a region that remains apprehensive about Tehran’s swiftly advancing nuclear program and the potential for renewed attacks on vessels by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The exercises, named Maritime Security Belt 2025, were conducted in the Gulf of Oman, close to the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil is transported. Historically, this area has witnessed Iran’s seizure of commercial vessels and alleged attacks since the United States, under President Donald Trump, withdrew from the nuclear agreement with Iran.

This year’s drills marked the fifth consecutive year of collaboration among the three nations.

The exercises likely prompted a warning from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center late Monday, indicating GPS interference in the strait that lasted several hours, compelling crews to utilize alternative navigation methods.

Shaun Robertson, an intelligence analyst at the EOS Risk Group, noted, “This was likely GPS jamming aimed at diminishing the targeting capabilities of drones and missiles. However, such electronic navigation disruptions have been reported in this region before during heightened tensions and military activities.”

China and Russia Conduct Naval Exercises in U.S. Navy-Patrolled Middle Eastern Waters

The Russian Defense Ministry has announced the participation of the corvettes Rezky and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov, along with the tanker Pechenega, in recent naval drills. In response, China’s Defense Ministry confirmed the deployment of the guided-missile destroyer Baotou and the comprehensive supply ship Gaoyouhu. However, neither country disclosed the number of personnel involved in these operations.

While China and Russia do not actively patrol the broader Middle East, a region vital for global energy supplies, they largely leave this responsibility to Western nations, primarily the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet based in Bahrain. Observers from several countries, including Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates, were present during the drills, with American forces likely monitoring the activities as well.

Both nations maintain significant interests in Iran. China continues to import Iranian crude oil despite facing Western sanctions, often at discounted rates compared to global market prices. Additionally, Beijing remains one of Iran’s largest trading partners.

On the other hand, Russia has depended on Iran for the supply of drones used in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Iran Uses Naval Drills to Strengthen Domestic Support Following Israeli Attacks

The recent naval exercises have been prominently featured by Iran’s state-run television, showcasing live-fire operations during nighttime drills and sailors operating deck guns. These exercises follow an extensive series of drills that occurred after a direct Israeli attack on Iran, which targeted its air defense systems and facilities linked to its ballistic missile program.

Although Tehran attempted to minimize the impact of the Israeli assault, it has unsettled the Iranian populace, coinciding with a series of Israeli operations that have significantly weakened Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance,” a coalition of militant groups allied with the Islamic Republic. The overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad in December has further diminished Iran’s influence in the region.

Iran has been steadily increasing its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, a practice typically associated with nuclear-armed states. While Tehran insists that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, its officials have increasingly hinted at the possibility of developing nuclear weapons.

The nuclear initiative has prompted stern warnings from both Israel and the United States, indicating that they will not permit Iran to acquire a nuclear bomb, which raises the prospect of military intervention. Recently, former President Trump reached out to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in an effort to negotiate a new nuclear agreement. Although Iran claims it has not received any correspondence, it has nonetheless made several statements regarding the matter.

Yemen’s Houthis renew threats to Mideast waterways

In Yemen, the Houthi rebels have renewed their threats concerning maritime security in the Middle East. As a fragile ceasefire persists in Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis have indicated they may resume attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The group’s elusive leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, warned that if humanitarian aid to Gaza does not resume, attacks on vessels associated with Israel would recommence within four days. That deadline has passed without incident, but it has left shipping companies anxious. The Houthis have previously targeted over 100 merchant ships with missiles and drones, resulting in the sinking of two vessels and the deaths of four sailors.