Top Commander: Iran, Russia, China to stage joint naval exercise  

Commander of the Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said that navy forces of Tehran, Moscow and Beijing plan to hold a joint drill in the near future.

The joint wargames will be held before the end of the current Iranian year (March 19), Rear Admiral Irani stated, Fars News Agency reports.

He added that the exercise will be held with the purpose of ensuring regional security and stability and fulfilling common interests.

Iranian Naval Forces and their Chinese and Russian counterparts have held several military drills in recent years to enhance the security and stability of international maritime trade, counter piracy and maritime terrorism, exchange information in naval rescue and relief operations and exchange operational and tactical experiences.

Iran’s Navy has in recent years achieved self-sufficiency in manufacturing surface and sub-surface vessels. It has also increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers. Military officials say the country's navy forces are at the highest level of preparedness to defend Iran against any type of threat or act of aggression, and add the presence of Iran's fleets of warships in the high seas indicates the country's power and strength.

The top commander also noted that a number of other states have also been invited to attend the drill.