BANDAR ABBAS (Realist English). Iranian and Russian naval forces carried out a simulated operation to free a hijacked commercial vessel during joint maritime exercises in southern Iran.
The drill took place Thursday in waters off Bandar Abbas and involved personnel from the Iranian Army Navy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy and the Russian Navy.
According to Iranian officials, the scenario began after commercial ships issued distress signals to the Bandar Abbas Maritime Rescue Coordination Center. An SH-3 helicopter from the Iranian Navy and a Bell 412 helicopter operated by the IRGC were deployed to search the area.
Iran’s Alvand destroyer, serving as the command ship for the exercise, then dispatched nearby combat vessels to conduct the rescue. Special forces units from Iran and Russia ultimately retook the vessel through a coordinated airborne and surface assault, detaining the simulated pirates.
The drills come amid heightened regional tensions and repeated warnings from Washington that military action remains an option if Iran refuses U.S. demands regarding its nuclear program. The United States has increased its naval presence in nearby waters, while Tehran has warned that any attack would trigger a broad response targeting U.S. assets in the region.
The exercise also coincided with a new round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States held in Geneva. Following the discussions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said both sides had agreed on guiding principles to facilitate further negotiations.
In addition to the anti-piracy scenario, the joint drills included an aerial “Photo Ex” maneuver and coordinated tactical formations. Iranian assets involved the Alvand destroyer, Neyzeh and Khanjar missile vessels, landing craft, special operations units and assault boats from both the regular navy and the IRGC.
Russia deployed the Bravyi helicopter carrier, while Iran’s Air Force contributed two F-4 fighter jets in support of the exercise.
