Saudi and Iran hold joint naval drills in Sea of Oman and plan Red Sea exercises

Saudi Arabia and Iran have recently conducted joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman, as relations strengthen between the long-time regional rivals. Saudi Ministry of Defence spokesman Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki confirmed the exercises in a statement yesterday.

“The Royal Saudi Naval Forces had recently concluded a joint naval exercise with the Iranian Naval Forces alongside other countries in the Sea of Oman,” Al-Malki told AFP.

The development follows a China-brokered reconciliation deal last year that saw Tehran and Riyadh resume diplomatic ties, which were severed in 2016.

Yesterday the official Iranian news agency ISNA reported that the former foes are planning further joint military drills in the Red Sea quoting Iran’s Navy Commander Admiral Shahram Irani as saying: “Saudi Arabia has requested that we have a combined exercise in the Red Sea.” However, Al-Malki has clarified that no other exercises are currently under consideration.

Iranian state media also reported on Saturday that Iran participated in the “IMEX 2024” military drill in the northern Indian Ocean with Russia, Oman and six other observer states, including Saudi Arabia.

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