The Russian cruiser MoskvaPhoto: google.
Iran, Russia and Oman have launched joint naval exercises called IMEX 2024 in the Indian Ocean. These manoeuvres are taking place against the backdrop of the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and indicate increased military cooperation between the countries, as well as their desire to demonstrate their readiness for collective security in the region. This was reported by the cursorinfo news portal.
International participation in exercises
The IMEX 2024 exercise has attracted the attention of nine other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Thailand. This underscores the broad international interest in stability in the region and the willingness of other states to contribute to maritime security.
Main objectives of the exercise
According to the information provided by the English-language Press TV channel, the purpose of the exercise is to:
- Strengthening collective security: Increased cooperation between participating countries to ensure peaceful coexistence.
- Expanding international cooperation: Establishing close ties between states to respond to threats together.
- Demonstration of peacekeeping capabilities: Testing tactics to protect sea lanes and secure international maritime trade.
Tensions in the Middle East
These exercises are taking place against the backdrop of growing tensions in the region due to the conflict between Israel and Iranian-backed groups such as Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The situation is further complicated by attacks on Israel from Syria and Iraq, as well as attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
Iran’s military cooperation
Responding to pressure from the United States, Iran has intensified its military cooperation with Russia and China. Joint exercises between these countries already took place in March 2024 in the Gulf of Oman. The current manoeuvres demonstrate Iran’s desire to increase its influence in the region and expand multilateral military cooperation amid global geopolitical instability.
These developments once again confirm that the situation in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East remains extremely tense. The military exercises of the participating countries can significantly affect the security in this strategically important region and reflect the new challenges facing the international community.
