Russia China Iran Military Exercise 2024: Unveiling Geopolitical Shifts

Prof. Diamond Tromp Jr. 20 Jun 2025

The global stage witnessed a significant display of military cooperation in early 2024 as Russia, China, and Iran convened for their latest joint naval exercises. Dubbed "Maritime Security Belt 2024," these drills, held primarily in the strategic Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, represent more than just routine naval maneuvers. They are a powerful signal of evolving alliances and a clear indicator of shifting power dynamics in an increasingly multipolar world. This series of exercises, which has become a recurring feature in recent years, underscores a concerted effort by these nations to bolster collective security and project influence far beyond their traditional spheres.

The "Maritime Security Belt 2024" exercise, which commenced on March 11 and concluded on March 15, marked the fifth common military exercise between the navies of China, Iran, and Russia in recent years. Its timing, coinciding with heightened global tensions, amplified its significance, drawing considerable international attention. The participation of naval vessels, military aircraft, and thousands of troops from these three formidable powers sends a clear message about their commitment to enhanced military collaboration and their shared vision for regional and global security.

The "Maritime Security Belt 2024": An Overview
Strategic Significance and Geopolitical Context
- Chabahar Port: A Key Naval Hub
Objectives and Operational Scope
- The Scale of Russian Participation
Key Participants and Their Contributions
- Chinese Warships and Naval Presence
Historical Context of Trilateral Drills
Beyond the Gulf of Oman: Broader Drills
- IMEX 2024 and Expanding Partnerships
International Reactions and Implications
The Future of Trilateral Cooperation

The "Maritime Security Belt 2024": An Overview

The "Maritime Security Belt 2024" exercise, a pivotal event in the ongoing military collaboration between Russia, China, and Iran, officially commenced on March 11, 2024, with naval forces converging in the strategic waters of the Gulf of Oman. State media in Iran reported the start of these joint naval drills in the northern part of the Indian Ocean on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, confirming the extensive scope of the maneuvers. The exercises continued through March 15, allowing for a comprehensive series of operations designed to enhance interoperability and demonstrate collective capabilities.

Photographic evidence, such as the image released on March 12, 2024, depicting an Iranian Navy missile corvette at sea during the exercise, underscored the active participation of all three nations. Similarly, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy missile corvette was observed at sea during the "Maritime Security Belt 2024" combined naval exercise, further highlighting Iran's significant contribution. The drills specifically took place near Iran’s strategic Chabahar port along the Gulf of Oman, a location that amplifies the geopolitical importance of the exercise.

This iteration of the "Maritime Security Belt" series marks the fifth common military exercise among these three powers in recent years, signaling a deepening and increasingly formalized military partnership. The continuity of these drills suggests a long-term commitment to joint training and coordination, moving beyond ad-hoc engagements to a more structured framework of cooperation. The repeated choice of the Gulf of Oman and the broader Indian Ocean region for these exercises is not coincidental; these are vital international shipping lanes, and the presence of such a powerful joint force sends a clear message about their collective security interests and capabilities in these critical maritime zones.

Strategic Significance and Geopolitical Context

The "Maritime Security Belt 2024" exercise transcends mere military training; it is a profound statement on the shifting dynamics of power and influence on the global stage. This trilateral military cooperation among China, Russia, and Iran is increasingly viewed as a deliberate effort to establish a counterbalance to what these nations perceive as the unilateral dominance of the United States and its Western allies. By conducting joint drills, they aim to demonstrate their collective strength and their capacity to operate effectively in strategically vital regions, challenging existing security paradigms.

The war games, starting on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, coincided with heightened geopolitical tensions across various fronts, from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to the Red Sea crisis and the broader instability in the Middle East. This timing amplifies the message of solidarity and mutual support among the participating nations. For Russia, it reinforces its pivot towards non-Western alliances amidst its conflict with Ukraine and Western sanctions. For China, it underscores its growing naval reach and its commitment to a multipolar world order, where its influence is commensurate with its economic might. For Iran, these exercises provide a crucial platform to enhance its naval capabilities, gain experience from major military powers, and project regional strength in the face of persistent international pressure.

The choice of the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean as the primary operational area is highly significant. These waters are crucial for global energy trade, and any demonstration of military power here carries immense strategic weight. The exercises not only showcase military interoperability but also signal a shared commitment to maritime security in a region that is vital for global commerce and energy supplies. This convergence of interests and capabilities in a critical maritime chokepoint underscores the strategic depth of the Russia China Iran Military Exercise 2024.

Chabahar Port: A Key Naval Hub

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the "Maritime Security Belt 2024" exercise is its proximity to Iran’s strategic Chabahar port. Chinese warships, for instance, were reported to have arrived in waters near Chabahar, Iran, on March 11, 2024, just as the drills were commencing. This port, located along the Gulf of Oman, holds immense strategic value for Iran, not only as a commercial gateway but also as a crucial naval facility. Its deep-water access and location outside the Strait of Hormuz make it a vital asset for projecting naval power into the Indian Ocean.

The consistent use of the waters near Chabahar for these trilateral maritime collaborations is not accidental. It highlights the port's growing importance as a hub for military and commercial activities for Iran and its partners. For Russia and China, access to or operational familiarity with areas around Chabahar could offer significant logistical advantages for projecting power into the Indian Ocean and beyond. The port's strategic position allows for greater maneuverability and reduces reliance on the more congested and politically sensitive Strait of Hormuz. This focus on Chabahar underscores the long-term strategic planning underpinning the Russia China Iran Military Exercise 2024, demonstrating a clear intent to leverage key geographical advantages for enhanced military presence and influence.

Objectives and Operational Scope

The stated objectives of the "Maritime Security Belt 2024" exercises are multifaceted, primarily aimed at boosting collective security in the region and expanding military cooperation among the participating nations. These exercises are designed to enhance the interoperability of the three navies, allowing them to coordinate complex operations, share tactical knowledge, and refine their responses to various maritime threats. The drills encompass a wide array of planned operations, including anti-piracy measures, search and rescue missions, and joint tactical maneuvers, all crucial for maintaining stability and security in international waters.

The scope of the exercises is comprehensive, involving a significant deployment of naval assets and personnel. An Iranian Navy missile corvette, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy missile corvette, and the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy fast attack craft IRIS Zereh (P235) were specifically mentioned as participating at sea during the combined naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman. These vessels represent a mix of defensive and offensive capabilities, indicating a broad range of scenarios being practiced. The inclusion of various types of naval vessels, from corvettes to fast attack crafts, suggests a focus on diverse maritime operations, from conventional warfare to asymmetric threats.

Beyond the immediate tactical objectives, the exercises serve a broader strategic purpose: to demonstrate the collective capability of China, Russia, and Iran to respond to complex maritime challenges independently of Western powers. By conducting these drills, they aim to show their readiness to protect vital shipping lanes, counter terrorism, and maintain regional stability on their own terms. This proactive approach to maritime security reinforces their narrative of promoting a multipolar world order, where regional powers take greater responsibility for their own security. The "Maritime Security Belt 2024" is thus a practical demonstration of their growing military synergy and their commitment to a shared security vision.

The Scale of Russian Participation

While the "Maritime Security Belt 2024" was a trilateral exercise, Russia's broader military activities around the same period highlighted the immense scale of its naval and air capabilities. Russia announced that it launched massive naval and air drills that spanned a huge swath of oceans, involving more than 400 naval vessels, at least 120 military aircraft, and upwards of 90,000 troops. While these numbers likely encompass various exercises conducted concurrently or sequentially across different regions, they underscore Russia's significant military might and its capacity for large-scale deployments.

This extensive Russian military activity, occurring around the same time as the trilateral exercise, suggests a coordinated effort to project power across multiple theaters. The involvement of such a vast array of assets and personnel indicates a comprehensive training regimen, focusing on diverse operational scenarios. For the "Maritime Security Belt 2024," Russia's contribution would have been a subset of these larger deployments, but its overall military readiness and capacity for global reach undoubtedly add weight to the trilateral partnership. The sheer volume of Russian forces involved in various drills during this period sends a powerful message about its strategic priorities and its commitment to maintaining a robust military presence globally, complementing its cooperation with China and Iran.

Key Participants and Their Contributions

The success of the "Maritime Security Belt 2024" hinged on the active and coordinated participation of the naval forces from Iran, Russia, and China, each bringing unique strengths and capabilities to the joint exercise. Iran, as the host nation for a significant portion of the drills in the Gulf of Oman, showcased its growing naval prowess and its strategic importance in the region. The presence of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy fast attack craft IRIS Zereh (P235) and both Iranian Navy and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy missile corvettes underscored Iran's commitment to maritime defense and its ability to deploy modern naval assets. These vessels are crucial for patrolling its extensive coastline and safeguarding its maritime interests in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.

Russia, a seasoned global naval power, contributed significant assets and expertise to the exercise. While specific Russian vessels for the "Maritime Security Belt 2024" were not detailed in the provided data, their participation is consistently characterized by advanced naval technology, extensive operational experience, and strategic depth. Russia's broader naval and air drills involving hundreds of vessels and aircraft during the same period indicate its capacity to project power across vast distances and engage in complex, multi-domain operations. The Russian navy's involvement in the trilateral exercise provides invaluable experience for its partners, particularly in areas of command and control, logistical coordination, and advanced naval tactics.

China, with its rapidly expanding and modernizing navy, played a crucial role in the joint drills. The arrival of Chinese warships in waters near Chabahar, Iran, on March 11, 2024, signaled their direct participation. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has been steadily increasing its global footprint, and its involvement in the "Maritime Security Belt 2024" is a testament to its growing blue-water capabilities. Chinese military sailors were also seen attending welcome ceremonies for joint naval forces exercises in other locations, such as Zhanjiang in Guangdong province on July 14, 2024, further indicating their active engagement in multinational drills. China's contribution often includes technologically advanced destroyers, frigates, and support vessels, enhancing the overall sophistication and reach of the joint force.

Chinese Warships and Naval Presence

The presence of Chinese warships near Chabahar, Iran, on the eve of the "Maritime Security Belt 2024" exercises is a particularly salient point. This highlights China's increasing willingness and capability to deploy its naval assets to distant, strategically important regions. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has undergone a rapid modernization, transforming into a formidable force capable of operating far from its shores. Its participation in these exercises underscores China's commitment to projecting its influence and protecting its growing global interests, particularly along critical maritime trade routes.

Beyond the Gulf of Oman, China and Russia's naval forces have also kicked off joint exercises at military ports, such as the one in Zhanjiang in Guangdong province. This broader pattern of joint naval drills, including those in the Sea of Japan, as announced by Russia’s military, indicates a comprehensive and expanding alliance between Beijing and Moscow. These exercises are explicitly framed as a counterbalance to what they perceive as U.S. influence, solidifying their strategic partnership. The active and consistent participation of Chinese warships in such diverse and geographically dispersed joint drills demonstrates their evolving naval doctrine and their ambition to play a more prominent role in global maritime security, often in concert with like-minded nations like Russia and Iran.

Historical Context of Trilateral Drills

The "Maritime Security Belt 2024" is not an isolated event but rather the latest installment in a growing series of trilateral maritime collaborations between Iran, Russia, and China. The fact that these are their "fifth common military exercise in recent years" underscores a pattern of deepening military cooperation and strategic alignment. This continuity suggests a deliberate and sustained effort by these three nations to build interoperability, trust, and a shared understanding of maritime security challenges. The first such joint exercise, also held in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman, took place in December 2019, marking a significant step in their burgeoning partnership.

Subsequent iterations have progressively expanded in scope and complexity, reflecting an increasing level of confidence and coordination among their respective navies. This consistent engagement provides invaluable experience in joint command and control, communication protocols, and tactical execution, which are essential for effective combined operations. The historical progression of these drills indicates a strategic commitment to strengthening their collective security architecture, particularly in regions where they perceive common interests or shared threats. The recurring nature of the Russia China Iran Military Exercise 2024, therefore, signifies a long-term strategic partnership that is steadily maturing and expanding its operational reach.

Beyond the Gulf of Oman: Broader Drills

While the "Maritime Security Belt 2024" in the Gulf of Oman garnered significant attention, it was part of a broader tapestry of joint military exercises involving Russia, China, and their respective partners during the same period. This highlights a concerted effort by these nations to enhance their military readiness and strategic alliances across various theaters. For instance, in a separate but related development, on March 19, 2024, Russia and Oman joined forces for more naval drills on the Indian Ocean. This indicates Russia's active engagement in bilateral and multilateral exercises beyond its core partnership with China and Iran, demonstrating its broader strategic outreach in the region.

Furthermore, the strengthening alliance between Beijing and Moscow was evident in other joint naval exercises. Russia’s military announced on a Tuesday (date not specified in the provided data, but likely around the same period) that Russia and China launched joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan. These drills are explicitly framed by Beijing and Moscow as a counterbalance to what they see as U.S. influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The fact that China and Russia’s naval forces have kicked off joint exercises at military ports, such as the welcome ceremony for their joint naval forces exercise in Zhanjiang in Guangdong province on Sunday, July 14, 2024 (as seen in a photo released by the Russian Defense Ministry press service on Monday, July 15, 2024), further underscores the depth and consistency of their bilateral military cooperation.

These broader exercises, encompassing different geographical areas and involving various partners, paint a picture of a coordinated strategic approach. They demonstrate the willingness and capability of Russia and China, often joined by Iran, to conduct complex military operations across vast distances, challenging established geopolitical norms and projecting their collective power on a global scale. The "Maritime Security Belt 2024" is thus one significant piece of a larger, evolving puzzle of military alliances and strategic maneuvers designed to reshape the international security landscape.

IMEX 2024 and Expanding Partnerships

The "IMEX 2024" exercises, involving Russia and Oman on the Indian Ocean on March 19, 2024, are another example of the expanding network of military partnerships that Russia is cultivating. These exercises, like the trilateral drills with China and Iran, are aimed at boosting collective security in the region and expanding military cooperation. Oman, a strategically located nation on the Arabian Peninsula, plays a crucial role in maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Russia's engagement with Oman underscores its desire to build broader alliances and enhance its presence in key maritime zones.

The IMEX 2024 drills, while distinct from the Russia China Iran Military Exercise 2024, contribute to the overarching narrative of a multipolar world order where various nations are forging new security partnerships. These collaborations often focus on practical aspects like enhancing interoperability, sharing best practices, and improving coordinated responses to regional threats. For Russia, such engagements help diversify its military diplomacy and reinforce its position as a global security actor. For Oman, it offers opportunities to strengthen its defense capabilities and maintain its strategic neutrality by engaging with multiple major powers. The convergence of these various exercises in the broader Indian Ocean region highlights a growing emphasis on collective security arrangements that operate outside traditional Western-led frameworks.

International Reactions and Implications

The "Maritime Security Belt 2024" combined naval exercise between Iran, Russia, and China in the Gulf of Oman, along with their broader military engagements, has naturally attracted significant international attention. For Western nations, particularly the United States and its allies, these exercises are viewed with concern, as they represent a visible manifestation of a deepening strategic alignment among powers often at odds with Western interests. The drills are interpreted as a challenge to the existing U.S.-led security architecture in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, raising questions about regional stability and the balance of power.

Analysts worldwide are closely scrutinizing the implications of this growing military cooperation. The exercises signal a clear intent by China, Russia, and Iran to enhance their collective defense capabilities and their capacity for joint operations in critical maritime chokepoints. This could potentially complicate future military planning for other global powers and influence geopolitical calculations. The drills also serve as a show of force, aimed at deterring potential adversaries and reassuring allies within their respective spheres of influence. The emphasis on "boosting collective security" and "expanding" cooperation suggests a long-term vision for a more integrated defense posture among these nations.

Furthermore, the timing of these war games, coinciding with heightened global tensions, amplifies their symbolic weight. They send a message of defiance to Western sanctions and diplomatic pressures, demonstrating that these nations can and will pursue their strategic interests through strengthened military partnerships. The "Maritime Security Belt 2024" thus contributes to a broader narrative of a world transitioning from unipolarity to multipolarity, where new blocs and alliances are emerging to challenge the established order. The long-term implications include potential shifts in regional security dynamics, increased competition for influence in key maritime areas, and a more complex global security landscape requiring nuanced diplomatic and strategic responses from all major actors.

The Future of Trilateral Cooperation

The "Maritime Security Belt 2024" military exercise serves as a powerful indicator of the trajectory of military cooperation between Russia, China, and Iran. As their fifth common military exercise in recent years, it solidifies a pattern of consistent engagement and deepening strategic alignment. The recurring nature of these drills, coupled with the explicit objectives of boosting collective security and expanding military collaboration, suggests that this trilateral partnership is not a temporary alliance but a long-term commitment designed to reshape regional and global power dynamics.

Looking ahead, it is highly probable that these joint exercises will continue, potentially expanding in scope, complexity, and geographical reach. As these nations continue to face what they perceive as external pressures and seek to assert greater influence on the global stage, military cooperation will remain a cornerstone of their foreign policy. This could involve more sophisticated joint operations, greater integration of command and control systems, and potentially the inclusion of other like-minded nations in future drills, further expanding their network of alliances.

The strategic locations chosen for these exercises, such as the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, underscore their importance for global trade and energy security. By enhancing their collective capabilities in these critical maritime zones, Russia, China, and Iran are positioning themselves as significant actors in maintaining regional stability, albeit on their own terms. The ongoing evolution of the Russia China Iran Military Exercise 2024 and its subsequent iterations will undoubtedly remain a focal point for international observers, offering crucial insights into the future of global security and the emerging multipolar world order.

We invite you to share your thoughts on the implications of these military exercises in the comments section below. How do you see these evolving alliances impacting global security? If you found this article insightful, please consider sharing it with your network or exploring other related analyses on our site for a deeper understanding of current geopolitical trends.

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