Iran, Russia and China show off ships in joint naval drill in Gulf of Oman

An Iranian military boat patrols as a warship enters the Iranian waters prior to start of a joint naval drill of Iran, Russia and China in the Indian Ocean (Iranian Army/AP)

China, Iran and Russia have begun a joint naval drill in the Gulf of Oman, a crucial waterway near the mouth of the Persian Gulf, officials said.

Footage aired by Chinese state television and a video released by the Russian navy showed the ongoing drill on Tuesday, known as “Marine Security Belt 2024″.