Fri 25 October 2024:

Saudi Arabia and Iran have recently conducted joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman, as relations strengthen between the long-time regional rivals. Saudi Ministry of Defence spokesman Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki confirmed the exercises in a statement yesterday.

“The Royal Saudi Naval Forces had recently concluded a joint naval exercise with the Iranian Naval Forces alongside other countries in the Sea of Oman,” Al-Malki told AFP.

The development follows a China-brokered reconciliation deal last year that saw Tehran and Riyadh resume diplomatic ties, which were severed in 2016.

Yesterday the official Iranian news agency ISNA reported that the former foes are planning further joint military drills in the Red Sea quoting Iran’s Navy Commander Admiral Shahram Irani as saying: “Saudi Arabia has requested that we have a combined exercise in the Red Sea.” However, Al-Malki has clarified that no other exercises are currently under consideration.

Iranian state media also reported on Saturday that Iran participated in the “IMEX 2024” military drill in the northern Indian Ocean with Russia, Oman and six other observer states, including Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia requests joint naval drill with Iran

“Saudi Arabia has requested that we have a combined exercise in the Red Sea,” Iran’s Navy Commander Admiral Shahram Irani said.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have invited each other to visit their ports, he noted, adding that the two countries want to hold bilateral exercises as well as exercises with the participation of other countries.

Coordination in this regard are underway and the delegations of the two countries will have the necessary consultations on how to conduct the exercise, Irani concluded.

-with MEMO

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