Iran and Russia are set to conduct a joint naval exercise on Thursday in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, according to Iranian Navy Commander Captain Hassan Maqsoodlou, as reported by Iran’s state news agency IRNA. The exercise aims to expand maritime cooperation and strengthen coordination in planning and executing combined operations between the two nations’ navies.

IRNA noted that the drill highlights the importance of monitoring regional conditions in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean. It also reflects both countries’ commitment to enhancing maritime collaboration, opposing unilateral actions, and ensuring the security of regional maritime trade. Russian Navy Commander Captain Alexei Sergeyev stated that Russia is ready to hold joint exercises in any region.

The announcement comes as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps began a separate military drill in the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the week, amid heightened tensions with the United States. The exercise coincided with indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington in Geneva, mediated by Oman.