Russian Envoy Confirms Joint Iranian, Russian, Chinese Naval Drills

Russia's Ambassador to Iran Levan Jagaryan confirmed earlier today that Iranian, Russian, and Chinese naval vessels would engage in joint drills in the Gulf in late 2021 or early 2022 as part of the Marine Security Belt - or CHIRU - drills.

• Jagaryan stated in an interview with Russian outlet Sputnik that the drills "will be focused on shipping security and combating piracy", and that "Along with Russia and India, China, Iran, Syria and Venezuela will take part in the drills. There are plans to hold a contest between the dive teams of these countries' armed forces. Representatives of the Russian Navy command will arrive at the opening and closing ceremonies of this contest,"
• In reaction to the escalation in piratical activities in the Gulf in recent months, Jagaryan stated that "There are tensions indeed, especially following the tanker incidents in the [...] Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, but I would not be dramatic and say that the situation is more acute now than during previous crises. Neither Iran nor its Arab neighbors are interested in further escalation,"
• The drills will certainly draw the attention of regional powers such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, as well as the United States, which maintains a sizeable naval presence in and around the Gulf.