Iran, Oman navies hold maritime security drill in Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN, Iran

Iran and Oman held a maritime rescue and relief drill in the northern Indian Ocean and the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.

The day-long military drill involved combat vessels and flight units of the Iranian army's naval wing as well as the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with Oman's navy, said the Iranian army's public relations department.

The exercise aimed to boost the combat readiness of the naval forces of the two Persian Gulf countries in line with their bilateral agreements on maritime security.

During the drill, Iranian military helicopters provided support to combat units on the ground and involved indigenous destroyers, Dena and Sahand, the statement noted.

The drill also saw Iranian-made drones and reconnaissance aircraft monitoring military and cargo vessels from a distance.

The Iranian army's statement said the planning and coordination to implement the bilateral maritime security deal with joint command over the operation "indicates capabilities of both sides to establish security" in the world's key energy zone in the Persian Gulf "without the presence of foreign forces."

Last week, Iranian navy commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani announced that Iran will hold two joint naval exercises with foreign military forces in the Indian Ocean.

Iran's navy will stage a naval rescue and relief drill with Oman, he said, adding that other countries have also been invited to participate in it.

He also informed about the Marine Security Belt naval war game, which is scheduled for a later date in the northern flanks of the Indian Ocean.

Iran and Oman are regional allies with close political and military ties. Muscat has also been mediating tension-easing talks between Iran and some of its Persian Gulf neighbors.