IRAN, RUSSIA TO HOLD JOINT MARITIME DRILLS IN PERSIAN GULF

Two countries discussed increased military and defense ties during the Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS).

Iran and Russia will conduct a joint maritime drill in the Persian Gulf, Iran’s Mehr News agency reported on Monday.

“Based on negotiations with the Russian Navy, the force will dispatch a fleet to the southern regions of Iran this year,” Iranian Army Commander, Navy R.-Adm. Hossein Khanzadi was quoted as saying, without giving a date for the drills

In early January, Khanzadi said that the two countries were preparing for a joint naval drill in the Caspian Sea region and that the drill would focus on tactical, relief, rescue and anti-piracy issues.

Earlier in the week, Iranian Defense Minister Brig.-Gen. Amir Hatami met with his Russian counterpart Gen. Sergey Shoygu on the sidelines of the 8th Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS) in the Russian capital.

MORE: https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-Russia-to-hold-joint-maritime-drills-in-Persian-Gulf-588157