Navy Needs to Expand Capacities of Iran's Southeastern Coasts: Commander


TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on Wednesday that the country’s naval power more than ever needs to expand capacities of Iran's southeastern coast (known as Makran) in order to create political, economic, cultural, and defensive depths.

The Rear Admiral’s remarks came at the 2nd National Conference on the Development of Makran Coasts held in the country’s southeastern port of Jask on Wednesday.

The commander added that geopolitical competition in this unique region creates the necessary capacities, which will have pivotal role in the world order.

“Based on the foresight of the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Iranian Navy started to establish facilities along Makran’s long coasts in order to maintain national interests in the international waters and also to provide security for the country’s strategic marine lines,” said Rear Admiral Sayyari.

Navy Commander Sayyari had earlier announced that Iran plans to speed up development projects in the country's southeastern coasts, which stretch from Iran's port city of Bandar Abbas to Makran (also known as Pasabandar).

The coasts of Makran have in recent years attracted the attention of many Iranian decision-makers and military officials.

Back in February, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said his administration has devised development plans for the country’s southern littoral provinces on the rims of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, including initiatives to develop new industries.

He had also announced that Iran’s southern coastline, which stretches about 2,000 kilometers, needs to develop by the creation and promotion of industries such as steelmaking and ship-building.