This is CBSI on the world. I'm John Batchel. Voice of America reporting from Tehran.

The navies of Iran, Russia, and China will hold military drills off the coast of Iran in a bid to boost cooperation.

The three countries which share a common desire to counter what they characterize as American hegemony, have held similar exercises in the region in recent years.

We welcome Rebecca Grant, a vice president of Lexington Institute, to comment on three navies that aren't exactly co-equals, but in any event, they are part of what is called the axis of resistance.

They're predator states.

Rebecca, very good evening to you.

Naval exercises are a celebration of camaraderie, interoperability, and showing the flag to whom?

Who is the audience for this exercise?

Good evening to you.

Good evening.

Well, here's one more headache.

And the Chinese Russians and Iran have chosen a very public location.

Imagine the trendiest spot in your neighborhood with everybody watching to hold this series of drills.

The Gulf of Vermont is an incredibly busy shipping area as everyone goes up towards the Strait of Hormuz.

Of course, we have our U.S. Navy there, our aircraft carrier here.

Yes, Truman is there.

So in full public display, they've got a few ships doing these drills.

And while it's a relatively small

naval exercise, this is such a dangerous alliance. And I really note that they sent a rather

sophisticated ship from China to participate in this. It's just not a good sign. And we have a lot

of observers this time. Everybody from the Saudis to

Pakistanis, South Africa, you might recognize some of these folks from the BRICS economic community

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