TEHRAN, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian and Russian naval forces will launch a three-day joint maritime exercise in the Caspian Sea starting Monday.
Named "CASAREX2025," the drill will be hosted by the Iranian Navy's Northern Fleet, according to a statement published on the Iranian army's news website.
The statement said the exercise, involving vessels from Iranian and Russian navies, aims to improve maritime safety and security in the Caspian Sea and increase cooperation among the region's littoral navies.
Navy of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), which operates independently of the regular navy, and the Iranian police would also take part in the drill.
A number of the Caspian Sea littoral states would also join the exercise as observers.
