Amid military drills jointly held by the Iranian, Chinese and Russian navies in the northern part of the Indian Ocean, Iran Navy chief says the number of maritime powers enjoying naval capabilities and power is growing.

These countries, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said on Monday, can have a presence at high seas relying on their knowledge and industry.

Irani made the remark in reaction to US President Donald Trump’s claim that he is “not at all” worried about the joint naval exercises involving Iran, China, and Russia in Iran’s territorial waters.

“We are witnessing many illusions in the world that some people maintain,” the Iranian Navy commander said.

He said the three countries’ participation in the large-scale Security Belt-2025 joint naval exercise is different in that their presence boosts security.

“Those who speak against and are deluded have never brought security and peace to any part of the world and have always caused significant insecurity and posed a threat to humanity,” the Iranian commander stated.

Irani said the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS group of emerging countries have the capability to play a positive role in the maritime economy in the best manner.

Earlier on Monday, flotillas of Russian and Chinese military vessels arrived in Iran’s southeastern Chabahar Port to take part in the exercise.

In response to a reporter’s question about the annual joint drills and if Trump was concerned, the US president said, “No, not at all. Not at all.. Because we’re stronger than all of them. We have more power than all of them. I rebuilt the military.”

The Iranian Navy commander further explained that 12 countries are participating in the drills with the main focus on improving shipping security and combating maritime terrorism, especially piracy.

Irani said more than 50 percent of the global economy is currently centered in the northern Indian Ocean region.

The main countries participating in the joint exercise have independently secured their ships since the onset of maritime terrorism in the region, he added.

The Iranian commander said his force has directly escorted 6,000 merchant ships and oil tankers and provided support to more than 20 countries that requested help and were in an emergency situation.

The Security Belt-2025 will be the fifth China-Iran-Russia joint naval exercise since 2019.

The drills, with an aim to “enhance military trust and strengthen practical cooperation,” will include simulated strikes on maritime targets, visit-board-search-seizure operations and search and rescue drills, the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The Iranian naval forces and their Chinese and Russian counterparts have held several military drills in recent years to enhance the security and stability of international maritime trade.

They have also been involved in joint efforts aimed at countering piracy and maritime terrorism, exchanging information in naval rescue and relief operations as well as sharing operational and tactical experience.

Experts have long perceived the drills as a reflection of the increasingly robust partnership among the three powers, as they strive to counterbalance US dominance and challenge the Western-led global order.