Russia has announced the arrival of a group of its warships in Iran to participate in joint drills with Iran and China in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The exercises, named "Maritime Security Belt - 2024," will involve both warships and aviation, according to a statement from the Russian defense ministry quoted by state media on Monday.

The practical phase of the exercises will be conducted in the waters of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, with a primary focus on enhancing the safety of maritime economic activities. Russia's naval contingent, led by the missile cruiser Varyag from its Pacific Fleet, will play a central role in the maneuvers.

The statement also mentioned that naval representatives from Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Oman, India, and South Africa will participate as observers, underlining the multinational nature of the drills.