A Russian Navy corvette, the Stoykiy, docked at the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on Wednesday, signaling the start of joint naval drills between Russia and Iran scheduled to begin Thursday, according to statements from both countries’ defense ministries. The exercises will take place in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean.
The drills are intended to “strengthen maritime security and to deepen relations between the navies of the two countries,” a spokesperson for the Iranian Navy stated, as reported by Iranian state media. The exercises will involve surface and air units from both nations, focusing on coordinated maneuvers, tactical exercises, and communication drills, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The arrival of the Stoykiy follows a period of increasing naval cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. The Russian vessel recently participated in Exercise Will for Peace-2026 in South Africa in January and made a port visit to Port Victoria, Seychelles, earlier this month to commemorate the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.
The joint drills are occurring as U.S. And Iranian officials are engaged in negotiations in Switzerland, mediated by Oman, regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The timing of the exercises also coincides with a separate announcement that Russia, Iran, and China conducted naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, dubbed Marine Security Belt 2026, according to Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev.
Iran announced Tuesday it would temporarily restrict access to parts of the Strait of Hormuz for a few hours during its own military exercises, citing “security” concerns. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
The U.S. Military has increased its presence in the Middle East in recent months, deploying additional aircraft and naval forces as part of a pressure campaign on Iran. This buildup follows escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and its response to anti-government protests earlier this year. Washington and its allies accuse Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapons, allegations Iran denies.
Captain First Rank Alexey Sergeev, commander of the Russian naval flotilla, expressed his satisfaction with being in Bandar Abbas and thanked Iran for its hospitality, according to reports. The Stoykiy was pictured alongside Rear Admiral Hassan Maqsoudlou, the Iranian officer in charge of the exercise, even as visiting the Iranian Moudge-class frigate IRINS Jamaran.
