Iran and Russia Conduct Joint Naval Drills

Is Iran preparing to fight pirates - or the United States? (Wikimedia Commons)

Iran and Russia began joint naval drills last week, boasting the “security of maritime trade in the region.” This exercise, dubbed the “Iran-Russia Maritime Security Belt 2021,” began on February 16 and took place in a 106,000 square mile stretch in the Indian Ocean. 

According to Iranian naval spokesman Gholamreza Tahani, the operation was led by the Iranian frigate Jamaran. The drill saw Jamaran, as well as Russian and Iranian naval helicopters, focus on naval security measures, such as “shooting at sea and air targets,” in addition to search and rescue drills and anti-piracy operations.

This joint operation was staged amidst an uptick in Iranian military demonstrations. In recent weeks, Iran has held several drills, including an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps exercise involving helicopters, drones, and tanks on the Iraqi border on February 11.  

Iran has also sought out military collaboration with its allies, including hosting both Russian and Chinese naval representatives. According to the Chinese People Liberation Army’s official analysis, these dialogues, as well as the naval exercise, testify to the strong relationship between Russia and Iran. For the PLA, this display of military strength and diplomatic organization “embodies masterly strategic finesse.”

According to Brookings Institute scholars Strobe Talbot and Maggie Tennis, both Iran and Russia view these exercises as ways to increase their cooperation and present a unified front against the United States. In contrast, by increasing cooperation with Russia, Iran can be assured of Russia's backing in a possible conflict with the United States. Russia’s increasingly closer cooperation with Iran could ensure the Islamic Republic’s stability and also provide a way for Russia to “break through the [NATO] containment.”

Since these exercises were held amidst a policy review by the new Biden Administration, however, Talbot and Tennis suggest that increasing cooperation with Russia is a way in which Iran can obtain leverage to re-enter the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on more favorable terms. This thinking is supported by an analysis done by the Iran Desk at the Atlantic Council, which also suggests that an Iranian return to the JCPOA would lessen Russia’s influence and power in the Middle East. 

It is clear, however, that Russia, Iran, and China will only heighten their collaboration, especially given their increasingly frosty relationships with the United States.