Iran and Russia to hold joint naval drill in Gulf of Oman

Iran and Russia will hold a joint naval exercise on Thursday in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, Iranian naval commander Captain Hassan Maqsoudlou announced, according to the official IRNA news agency. The drill aims to "expand joint maritime cooperation and strengthen coordination" between the two navies in planning and executing combined operations, reflecting both nations' strategic alignment in regional waters.

Strategic Messaging and Regional Presence

The exercise demonstrates both countries' attention to developments in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, IRNA reported, while also showcasing their commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation and countering unilateralism. The drill supports maritime trade security in the region, according to the agency. Russian Navy Commander Captain Alexey Sergeev signaled Moscow's broader intentions, stating, "We are ready to hold joint exercises in any region."

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian-Russian naval exercise comes as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducts its own military drill in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which began Monday amid heightened tensions with the United States. The IRGC's "Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz" exercise aims to assess the operational readiness of its naval forces, according to a statement from the force's public relations division.

Parallel Diplomatic Engagement

The military maneuvers coincide with ongoing diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington. On Tuesday, the two capitals conducted a second round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, with Omani mediation. Oman previously hosted an initial round of indirect talks in Muscat on February 6, occurring against a backdrop of significant US military buildup in the region. The simultaneous military exercises and diplomatic engagement underscore the complex dual-track approach both nations maintain—demonstrating military readiness while exploring potential pathways through negotiation.