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Saudi Arabia proposes joint naval drills with Iran in Red Sea
Iranian Navy Commander Shahram Irani on Wednesday confirmed the proposal, stating, “Saudi Arabia has requested joint exercises with Iran,” and noted that both nations have extended invitations for naval port visits. Irani added that the exercises might include participation from other countries, with coordination efforts already in progress.
In response, Saudi Defense Ministry spokesman Turki Al-Malki told AFP that the Saudi and Iranian navies had recently completed joint drills with other nations in the Gulf of Oman. Last week, Iran conducted joint naval drills involving Russia and Oman near the Gulf of Oman, with observers from countries such as Saudi Arabia, India, and Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia and Iran cut diplomatic ties in 2016. However, they restored relations in March of last year following mediation by China.