Commander Praises Navy’s Ability to Ensure Security off Iran’s Coasts
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Navy commander praised his forces for their wide operational range, saying the Navy has succeeded to maintain security off the country's coasts and in the Red Sea as well as North of the Indian Ocean.
The Iranian Navy has been able to project power in waters 2,500 kilometers off the country’s southern borders, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on Monday.
Addressing a cultural ceremony in the southern province of Hormozgan, the commander explained that Iran’s naval forces have managed to ensure security across the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mendeb Strait and the northern tip of the Indian Ocean.
He also pointed to the Navy’s anti-piracy missions, saying his forces have contributed significantly to the country’s economy by foiling a whole host of pirate attacks against the merchant and oil tanker fleets in the international waters.
In recent years, Iran’s naval forces have increased their presence in the international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and oil tankers.
In line with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has also been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.
