NOURNEWS: The exercise included the participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy’s missile boats "Peykan," "Derafsh," and "Separ," two AB-212 helicopters, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Navy’s vessel "Shahid Basir," along with Russia's SB45 vessel.
The main operations planned for this exercise were information exchange and the expansion of a joint command and control network at sea, as well as the rescue of a damaged ship.
The Russian Ministry of Defense provided details about the joint mission of the Iranian Navy and the Caspian Flotilla of Russia in the maritime rescue exercise. According to the statement, the crew of the rescue tug "SB-45" from the Caspian Flotilla participated in the joint exercise with the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy.
This maritime rescue and security exercise is noteworthy for several reasons:
First, It reflects Iran's neighbor-focused strategy, emphasizing Tehran-Moscow interactions. Iran and Russia, as historical neighbors with significant regional roles, share common views on countering foreign interference. They have developed comprehensive relations and are close to a long-term strategic agreement. Economic development, including the Rasht-Astara rail connection, interactions within BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and Eurasian Economic Union, coordination in international affairs, and unified opposition to sanctions through security interactions, are key aspects of this cooperation. Given the maritime capacities of both countries, ensuring security and addressing economic challenges at sea can enhance these relations, with the maritime rescue and security exercise being part of this framework.
Second, the exercise showcases Iran's capabilities in ensuring regional and global security. Iran's armed forces, relying on domestic capabilities, have achieved advanced defense technologies and have significant experience in security and rescue operations. Iran plays a crucial role in combating piracy and ensuring the safety of distressed ships. The Caspian Sea exercise demonstrates these experiences, sharing them with the region, and promising benefits for all Caspian neighbors. Ensuring the safety of vessels and securing shipping routes in the region is vital for maintaining global economic interests, necessitating cooperation among the naval forces of Caspian countries. Emergencies like fires, severe weather, and navigational issues pose sudden threats to the maritime industry, making preparedness essential. This focus in the Caspian Sea serves as an important link between neighbors.
Third, the West has extensive plans to militarize the Caspian Sea, threatening regional security. Interventions in the Ukraine conflict and the Caucasus, and efforts to sign military agreements with Caspian neighbors are part of these plans. Security, including in rescue operations, is part of this interventionist agenda, and the recent exercise can help Caspian neighbors unite against such interference.
Importantly, similar exercises could be conducted in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman between Iran and other neighbors. Iran has always emphasized regional security and neighborly cooperation, as seen in the Hormuz Peace Initiative. Implementing this initiative by Persian Gulf neighbors, considering Iran’s vast and indigenous capabilities, could enhance regional countries' global standing and fulfill the desire of nations to expel foreign forces from the region.
In conclusion, the Caspian Sea rescue exercise not only strengthens Iran-Russia relations but also serves as a crucial step in ensuring the local security of the Caspian Sea by its neighbors. With other Caspian neighbors joining, regional unity will be further promoted. Additionally, this exercise can serve as a model for Persian Gulf neighbors, demonstrating Iran’s commitment to regional security and its readiness to utilize all resources to achieve this goal, as Iran considers the security of its neighbors as its own and is always open to practical initiatives.
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