Iran Dispatches New Flotilla to High Seas

Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari told the Tasnim News Agency that the recently-deployed flotilla is comprised of “Vice-Admiral Bayandor” destroyer and “Bandar Abbas” warship.

The 31st fleet have set sail for the high seas as part of Iran’s plans to protect the country's cargo ships and oil tankers in different shipping routes.

The commander also pointed to the successful anti-piracy operations the Navy’s 30th fleet has carried out in its overseas mission over the past 110 days.

Comprised of “Alvand” destroyer and “Bushehr” logistic warship, the 30th fleet was deployed to the international waters in April.

“The 30th fleet makes port calls in the Omani port of Salalah, Port Sudan and Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port,” said Sayarri.

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.