Iran, Iraq Hold Joint Naval Drill

Iran and Iraq held a joint military exercise in the Persian Gulf to step up their readiness.

The Iranian and Iraqi naval forces staged the maneuver, dubbed “Muhammad [PBUH], the Messenger of God,” on Monday with the purpose of improving mutual preparedness to fight smuggling and piracy, and safeguarding maritime routes in the region, Press TV reported.

A total of 32 Iranian and Iraqi vessels participated in the drill, the second joint maneuver between the two countries in less than a week.

The two countries’ naval forces conducted the exercises with high precision and at a superior level in adverse weather conditions.

The Iranian and Iraqi navies staged their first joint maneuver on December 15 in the same area with the participation of the commanders of the two countries’ border guards.

The Iranian naval forces have held joint military drills with many countries, including India, Pakistan and Italy.

Chairman of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri said in November Iran is fully prepared to hold joint military drills with China.