China, Russia and Iran to hold joint naval drills as Tehran rejects US call for nuclear talks

China will conduct a joint naval exercise with Iran and Russia this week, days after Tehran rejected US president Donald Trump's call for nuclear talks. The drills in the Gulf of Oman come amid speculation in Washington that Mr Trump's embrace of Russian president Vladimir Putin could drive a diplomatic wedge between Moscow and Beijing. This is the fifth time since 2019 that the Chinese, Russian and Iranian navies have conducted a joint exercise; similar drills last year involved more than 20 ships, combat boats, support carriers and navy helicopters. This week's exercise will take place off the Iranian port…