Iran, which came under pressure in the nuclear conflict with the United States, has started a naval maneuver in the Indian Ocean with Russia and China.
The first trilateral maneuver is about ensuring security in the northern part of the Indian Ocean, reported the semi-official news agency ISNA today. Tactical exercises should be carried out during the four-day maneuver, said Iranian Navy Vice Commander Gholamresa Tahani.
According to experts, the naval exercises are a reaction of the three states to the US planned marine mission to protect shipping in the Persian Gulf.
The situation there had worsened considerably in the past few months after Iran held the British oil tanker „Stena Impero“ for months. Iran also shot down a US drone in June. No further attacks on oil tankers have yet been investigated.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important sea routes in the world. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean. Much of the world’s oil export is shipped through the strait.
