Iran and Russia on Monday launched joint naval exercise in the Caspian Sea, as the two powers re-affirmed their strategic partnership.
ISNA news agency said, quoting an Iranian navy spokesman that the maneuver is set to include tactical exercises, rescue missions, anti-piracy operations and the warship from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.
However, details about the length of the joint maneuver have been not been revealed.
Historically, Iran and Russia have been allies for years, with the two countries supporting Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.
Tehran has moreover been accused of supplying Moscow with drones to be used in Ukraine, a charge which Iranian leaders have denied.
Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, widely seen as a moderate reformist, is expected to seek closer relations with the West after high tensions in recent years.
However, the joint exercises suggest that he is not willing to sever ties with Moscow.
