Iran’s military chief calls for joint drills between Tehran, Muscat
Chief of the General Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces Brigadier General Mohammad Bagheri, who is in Oman on an official visit has called on Muscat to participate in joint hybrid military exercises with Iran.
Baqeri made the remarks in a meeting with his Omani counterpart on Monday.
During the meeting, Iran’s top military official said, “Today, new signs of the change in the balance of power from the west to the east can be seen. It must be emphasized that the future belongs to our region and Asia.”
Hailing the rapid development of Iran-Oman defense ties, Baqeri stated that among the many forms of such cooperation are joint exercises to establish maritime security and conduct hybrid maritime exercises, inviting Oman to participate in international hybrid maritime
exercises.
Iran’s top military official then noted that Iran’s Armed Forces have reached self-sufficiency in various fields and Tehran can benefit from further cooperation with Muscat through interaction in the fields of equipment, training and joint drills.
Elsewhere in his talks with the Omani top army official, Baqeri discussed the Palestinian cause, saying that Israel is under pressure both internally and from outside, and the world is witnessing a deep political division in
Israel.
For his part, Admiral General Abdullah bin Khamis noted that such visits help strengthen bilateral ties between Iran and Oman, noting that regional countries have a better understanding of their own interests. “Through unity, we can provide the security of the region,” Oman’s top army official highlighted.
Joint counterterror effort
Continuing his consultations in Oman, Baqeri held a meeting with the Omani Deputy Prime Minister Shahab bin Tariq.
During this meeting, Iran’s top military official emphasized the need to fight drug trafficking in the region, saying that with the blocking of the eastern borders of Iran, the smuggling route has changed and the smuggling gangs have become more active in the sea.
“This is dangerous for all countries, including Oman. Therefore, we are ready for any joint intelligence and operational collaboration to confront with this sinister phenomenon,” he highlighted. Elsewhere in his talks, Baqeri expressed Tehran’s readiness to transfer its knowledge and experiences regarding fighting terrorism and modern weapons.
“Relations between the two countries can be considered as a pattern for other countries in the region, as this path and its expansion among other countries helps provide and improve security in the region,” Baqeri emphasized.