Shahram Irani stated that the naval groups heading to South Africa were the 103rd and 104th flotillas. The first one was to take part in joint exercises of the BRICS countries, originally planned for November, but postponed due to the G20 summit in Johannesburg. In addition to South Africa, Russia, China, Indonesia, landlocked Ethiopia and Iran were to participate in the maneuvers codenamed Mosi-3.
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What flotillas did Iran send?
What is the purpose of Iran's 104th Flotilla?
Which countries participate in BRICS exercises?
What does Iran provide to Venezuela as part of its cooperation?
About the tasks of the 104th Flotilla, Irani said its mission was “escort of merchant shipping.” According to the Maritime Executive, this could mean resuming Iran's presence in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. But an equally likely variant is a course towards the coastal waters of Venezuela, where the United States has amassed a powerful fleet, destroys Venezuelan boats, seizes tankers and almost completely cuts off Caracas from the world.
Mutual support for Iran and Venezuela
Military cooperation between Iran and Venezuela, two oil-dependent dictatorships, has existed since at least the early 2000s and dates back to the presidency of Hugo Chavez. Iran is sending fast attack boats, anti-ship missiles, drones, including the advanced Mohajer-6, and even Hezbollah fighters to the Caribbean country, the American military website Task & Purpose reported.
In June 2022, Tehran and Caracas signed a 20-year cooperation agreement covering oil and gas, industrial and, above all, defense projects. Venezuela agreed to host Iranian warships, planes and military advisers, among other things. In return, Iran provides it with fuel, technical expertise in oil refining, and assistance in the production of cars and drones. The last ones that left Venezuelan factories even received a native name – Antonio Jose de Sucre 200, in honor of the Venezuelan general who fought against the Spanish in the 19th century.
Iranian aid also gave Venezuela access to new Iranian military technology at a time when the Russian equipment on which the country's armed forces had been based was becoming obsolete and difficult to replenish due to the Kremlin's involvement in the war against Ukraine. Both countries also help each other circumvent Western sanctions.
