The Security Belt 2025 Exercise, jointly conducted by Iran, China, and Russia, took place in parallel with the rapid changes in the global security environment from March 9 to 14, 2025, off the coast of Iran’s Chabahar Port. First launched in 2018, this seventh iteration of the exercise has further reinforced the continuity of military cooperation among the participating nations. Held in the northern Indian Ocean, the exercise involved 15 warships, support vessels, and helicopters.[1] The primary objective of the exercise was to ensure maritime security, enhance operational coordination, and improve the joint manoeuvrability of the participating navies.
On March 10, 2025, the exercise began with the participation of China, Iran, and Russia, followed by a live-fire night drill conducted that evening. This stage was particularly significant for testing the combat capabilities of the naval forces involved.[2] Under China’s command, this drill not only sent important messages regarding maritime security but also marked a critical step in strengthening military cooperation. The live-fire drill was essential for improving nighttime operational skills and testing the precision of targeting capabilities of warships. Such exercises enable naval forces to develop the necessary competencies for conducting operations in challenging, low-visibility conditions.
This exercise’s content conveys an important message in terms of international security dynamics. The Russia-Ukraine war, China’s growing naval activities in the Indo-Pacific, and Iran’s regional defense strategy highlight that this exercise is not merely a demonstration of military cooperation but also a reflection of geopolitical calculations. China’s increasing naval presence in the Indo-Pacific is particularly aimed at countering the military presence of the United States (U.S.) and its allies while enhancing its maritime power projection. Through these naval drills in the Indian Ocean, China seeks to reinforce its capability to secure regional sea lanes and bolster its deterrence. These exercises also serve as a platform for expanding China’s military presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Iran’s regional defense strategy is shaped by considerations of maritime security in the Middle East, particularly concerning regional powers such as India and Pakistan. Through these exercises, Iran aims to enhance its naval defense capabilities while forging strategic partnerships to strengthen regional maritime security. This approach can be viewed as part of Iran’s broader resistance strategy against Western pressures and a response to perceived threats from the West.
These joint exercises send a strategic deterrence message to the West. The trilateral naval drills not only allow Russia, China, and Iran to test their military capabilities but also provide an opportunity to assert control at a regional and global scale. These exercises serve a dual purpose: strengthening military cooperation and reinforcing strategic assurances. The trilateral alliance demonstrates a united front against Western—particularly U.S.—pressures, showcasing a strong display of international deterrence.
Another notable aspect of this exercise was the participation of observers from other regional and international actors. South Africa, Pakistan, Oman, and several other countries sent representatives to observe the exercise.[3] This indicates that the exercise was not solely aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between Iran, China, and Russia, but also had the potential to establish a broader regional security platform.
The participation of Pakistan and Oman as observers reflects the significance of maritime security in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman. Pakistan’s interest in the exercise stems from its deep economic and military ties with China and its strategic position in maritime trade routes. Oman, on the other hand, aims to assess the regional security implications of this exercise, as it took place near its coastline.
Understanding the regional interest in this exercise requires evaluating its military and strategic implications. According to Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe, the exercise not only enhanced joint operational capabilities among the three navies but also demonstrated the impact of such military collaborations on international security systems.[4] The focus on non-traditional security threats such as piracy, terrorism, and the security of maritime trade routes underscores the shared global interests of the participating nations in ensuring maritime security. Thus, beyond being an initiative to enhance military capacity, this exercise also carries a geopolitical message with regional and global implications. The presence of observer countries further suggests that future iterations of such exercises could expand to include more participants.
On March 14, 2025, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the successful completion of the Security Belt 2025 Exercise at Chabahar Port in Iran. During the exercise, live-fire drills were conducted against naval and aerial targets in the Gulf of Oman, along with search-and-rescue operations for captured vessels and inspections of suspicious ships.[5]This exercise marked a significant step in strengthening military cooperation among the three countries, particularly in enhancing maritime security and joint operational capabilities.
The likelihood of larger-scale exercises involving more countries in the coming years is increasing. The military partnerships among China, Russia, and Iran are not only deepening military cooperation but also shaping new approaches to regional security challenges. These nations’ efforts to defend their regional interests are becoming increasingly aligned with global military strategies. Therefore, future exercises are expected to expand in scope and include a broader range of participants.
Given the growing importance of regional security issues, exercises like Security Belt 2025 could become key tools in shaping geopolitical balances. The security of sea routes, counter-piracy measures, and maritime terrorism are not only crucial for these three countries but also hold vital significance for global security and the economy. In this context, the future potential of these exercises is not only to strengthen military capacities but also to reshape regional and global security strategies.
As a result, the Security Belt 2025 Exercise strengthens military cooperation between China, Russia, and Iran while also reshaping the strategic dynamics of regional security. This exercise not only enhanced joint operational capabilities but also reinforced their collective stance against global security threats. The regional and international implications of this exercise indicate the potential for broader participation in future editions. Such exercises aim not only at military integration but also at developing joint solutions for issues like maritime security, piracy, and terrorism.
[1] “Maritime Security Belt 2025 international drills kick off in Iran’s Chabahar”, TASS, https://tass.com/defense/1924633, (Access Date: 14.03.2025).
[2] “Maritime phase of China-Iran-Russia “Security Belt-2025” joint exercise concludes”, Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China, http://eng.mod.gov.cn/xb/News_213114/Videos/16374839.html, (Access Date: 14.02.2025).
[3] “China, Iran, Russia complete joint maritime drill, ‘boosting capabilities in non-traditional security field’ “, Global Times, https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1329989.shtml, (Access Date: 14.03.2025).
[4] Ibid.
[5] “Russian, Iranian, Chinese navies wrap up joint drills in Iran’s Chabahar port”, TASS, https://tass.com/defense/1927997, (Access Date: 14.03.2025).
