Iranian Navy Joint Exercises
December 8, 2011 - Institute for the Study of War![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/navy_slider.jpg?itok=uNndzf8j)
"Iran’s public statements reflect a desire to partner with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) neighbors in the maritime domain, arguing that Iran is a more credible partner than Western nations, which it believes are responsible for the instability in the region. Iranian officials have conducted an extensive outreach campaign to make this case to those countries that may be amenable to Iran’s influence."