Iran launches naval exercises “IMEX 2024” with Russia, Oman in Indian Ocean

TEHRAN, Oct. 19 (YPA) – Iran announced today, Saturday, the start of naval exercises dubbed “IMEX 2024”, featuring the participation of naval forces from several countries bordering the Indian Ocean.

The exercises are aimed at boosting collective security in the region, expand multilateral cooperation, and display the goodwill and capabilities to safeguard peace, friendship and maritime security.

Participants would practice tactics to ensure international maritime trade security, protect maritime routes, enhance humanitarian measures and exchange information on rescue and relief operations, it said.

The exercises coincide with heightened tensions in the region as Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza rages and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels retaliate by launching attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

It is noteworthy that Iran conducted “Rescue, Relief, and Maritime Security” exercises in July of this year in collaboration with the Russian Navy in the Caspian Sea, which concluded with a maritime display of floating units in front of the Iranian missile-launching vessel “Saber.”

@E.Y.M