Moscow – Iran, Russia, and China are conducting joint naval exercises in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a move framed by Moscow as a response to what it calls Western hegemony and a step toward building a “multipolar world order” at sea. The exercises, which began on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, are intended to enhance coordination in protecting trade routes through the increasingly vulnerable waterway, according to Russian presidential advisor Nikolay Patrushev.
Patrushev detailed the drills in an interview with the weekly magazine Argumenty i Fakty, as reported by Anadolu Agency. He emphasized Russia’s commitment to establishing a multipolar order in the world’s oceans, a position increasingly articulated as geopolitical tensions rise. The three participating nations – Iran, Russia, and China – are all members of the BRICS economic bloc, a grouping seen as a counterweight to traditional Western influence.
This latest joint exercise, dubbed “Maritime Security Belt 2026,” follows a first naval drill under the BRICS banner, “Will for Peace 2026,” held in the South Atlantic in January. That earlier exercise involved Russia, China, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa, signaling a growing pattern of military cooperation among these nations. Patrushev stated that the potential of BRICS must be fully realized, particularly in developing a “fully-fledged strategic maritime dimension.”
The Strait of Hormuz, situated between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, remains one of the world’s most crucial strategic chokepoints. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait daily, making its security paramount to global energy markets. The current exercises represent the seventh joint naval drill held in the area since 2019, initially launched by the Iranian Navy.
Growing Concerns Over Regional Security
The timing of these exercises comes amid heightened tensions in the region. While not directly stated, the drills are widely interpreted as a demonstration of strength and a signal of cooperation in the face of perceived threats, particularly from the United States and its allies. The exercises are focused on coordinating naval efforts to safeguard shipping lanes, which Patrushev described as increasingly vulnerable.
The “Maritime Security Belt 2026” drills, hosted by Iran in mid-February, are designed to foster interoperability and enhance the ability of the three navies to respond to potential disruptions in the vital waterway. This includes practicing coordinated maneuvers, communication protocols, and potentially, responses to simulated security threats.
BRICS and the Shift Towards a Multipolar World
The increasing military cooperation between Russia, China, and Iran is closely linked to the broader ambitions of the BRICS economic bloc. Originally comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has expanded to include several new members, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Argentina, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion reflects a growing desire among many nations to diversify their economic and political partnerships beyond the traditional Western-dominated system.
Patrushev’s comments underscore the belief within Russia that a multipolar world order is essential for global stability. He argued that the current international system, dominated by the United States and its allies, is inherently unstable and prone to conflict. By strengthening ties with countries like China and Iran, Russia aims to create a more balanced and equitable global order.
Previous Joint Exercises and Regional Implications
The joint naval exercises are not a new phenomenon. Since 2019, Iran has initiated seven such drills with various regional and international partners. These exercises have consistently focused on enhancing maritime security and promoting regional stability. The inclusion of Russia and China in these drills, however, represents a significant escalation in terms of geopolitical implications.
The exercises are likely to be viewed with concern by the United States and its allies, who maintain a significant military presence in the region. The U.S. Navy regularly conducts patrols in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz to ensure freedom of navigation and deter potential threats. The increased military cooperation between Russia, China, and Iran could potentially challenge the U.S.’s traditional dominance in the region.
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Looking Ahead
The joint naval exercises between Iran, Russia, and China represent a significant development in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The exercises demonstrate a growing willingness among these nations to cooperate militarily and challenge the existing regional order. The continued expansion of BRICS and the deepening ties between its members suggest that this trend is likely to continue in the coming years. Further details regarding the scope and duration of “Maritime Security Belt 2026” are expected to be released by the Iranian Navy in the coming days.
What remains to be seen is how the United States and its allies will respond to this growing challenge. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is likely to remain tense in the near future, requiring careful diplomacy and a commitment to de-escalation from all parties involved.
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