Amid heightened regional tensions since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Chinese and Russian warships this week entered Iranian territorial waters near the Chabahar port for Maritime Security Belt 2024 naval drills with Iran.
The exercises lasted March 11–15 and also included participation by Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan Pakistan, Oman, and South Africa as observers.
This marks the fifth consecutive year of the trilateral exercises — though China missed the 2021 drills — and this year various factors lent the event added significance. Roberto Neccia, an independent researcher and Iran analyst, told Al-Monitor that while the joint drill “appears at first glance a routine exercise,” a closer look at the timing suggests “much deeper symbolism.”
Recent disruptions in international trade stemming from Houthi rebel attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea region have increased the need to protect major trade routes. Since Oct. 19, the Houthis in Yemen have launched at least 403 missiles or drones, targeting 61 ships. The attacks prompted the formation in December of a US–led coalition to launch counterstrikes against the rebels.
