Has World War 3 has already started?? Russia, China, Iran and Syria Launch Massive Joint Military Exercise to defend Mid-East . Syria- Russia China Iran Send Armies for Largest Joint Military Exercise in the Middle East As another message to NATO not to interfere in Syria, Russia, China and Iran with the Syrian military are setting up the biggest joint military exercise in the history of the region.As part of its preparations, Beijing is reported to have asked Egyptian authorities to permit the passage through the Suez Canal in late June of 12 naval ships heading for the Syrian port of Tartus, where Moscow maintains a naval and marine base. DEBKAfile reported earlier this week that Russian naval vessels with marines on board were heading for Tartus. The Iranian media did not itemize their contribution to the joint exercise