Sydney: Russia, China, and Iran have deployed naval vessels to conduct joint exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, as disclosed by Russian presidential aide Nikolay Patrushev.

According to Anadolu Agency, Patrushev emphasized Russia's aim to foster a 'multipolar world order on the oceans' as a countermeasure to perceived Western dominance. He highlighted the importance of leveraging the potential of BRICS, advocating for a strategic maritime dimension to be integrated into its operations. The inaugural BRICS naval exercise, named 'Will for Peace 2026,' took place in January in the South Atlantic, involving Russia, China, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa.

Patrushev noted that the participating navies were involved in coordinating efforts to safeguard trade routes, which are increasingly at risk. He described the Maritime Security Belt 2026 exercises in the Strait of Hormuz as particularly pertinent. The exercises, hosted by Iran, are scheduled for mid-February in this critical maritime passage, which links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world's most strategically significant choke points.

The joint naval drills, initiated by Iran's navy in 2019, have been conducted seven times to date.