TEHRAN (Iran News) – The deputy commander of the Iranian Navy underlined the significance of the ongoing Iran-Russia-China joint naval drills and said the Indian Ocean security guarantees economic interests at the world level.

“Indian Ocean Security in the north part is one of the most important waterways in the world and plays an important role in international trade,” Admiral Gholamreza Tahani said, addressing a briefing attended by commanders from the Russian and Chinese navies.

“Ensuring full security of shipping lines in the region, especially in the area between the Strait of Hormuz, the Strait of Malacca and the Bab al-Mandab Strait… safeguards economic interests on the global stage on the one hand and necessitates cooperation and convergence among different navies on the other hand,” he said.

The deputy commander of the Iranian Navy further highlighted the importance of the joint naval drills of Iran, Russia, and China and said common maritime threats and political developments between the three countries’ governments have helped the navies to boost their cooperation.

Iran, Russia, and China began their joint naval drills on Friday, according to the deputy commander of the Iranian Navy.

The three countries are holding the four-day joint naval exercise, dubbed Marine Security Belt, in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman.

On Wednesday, Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, the spokesman for Iranian Armed Forces, said the event is meant to promote the security of international trade in the strategic regions, adding that sharing experience in maritime rescue operations was also to be pursued in the maneuvers.

On Thursday, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian announced that Beijing’s Xining guided-missile destroyer would take part in the drills. Three Russian vessels are also taking part in the drills, according to reports.

The war game comes amid US efforts to woo countries into a maritime coalition for patrols in the Persian Gulf, which have received a lukewarm welcome from its allies.