China, Russia and Iran put on show of force with Mideast naval drills

CNN — Warships from China, Russia and Iran have held live-fire exercises in a key Middle Eastern waterway this week as the three partners put on a show of force in the volatile region, according to reports in state-run media. The drills near the Gulf of Oman, involving more than 20 ships from the three countries, are "aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and safeguarding regional peace and stability," a statement from the Chinese Defense Ministry said, echoing similar language from Iran and Russia. China's navy sent a guided-missile destroyer and guided-missile frigate to the exercises, Russia dispatched the cruiser Varyag…