Gulf of Aden States Seeking to Obstruct Iran’s Naval Presence: Commander
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Gulf of Aden littoral states are making deliberate attempts to disrupt the presence of Iranian naval flotillas in high seas, Iran’s Navy commander said, noting, however, that Iranian forces continue to sail wherever international law allows regardless of antagonistic moves.
“Today, the Gulf of Aden littoral states have joined hands to prevent our naval flotillas from docking in there with the purpose of indirectly blocking our presence in high seas and international waters,” Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said in a ceremony marking the start of the 47th Navy flotilla’s mission.
Iran’s Navy, nevertheless, pays no attention to such hostile attempts and will keep a mighty presence in international waters, the commander added.
Sayyari also made it clear that Iranian flotillas pursue two main objectives in their overseas missions: ensuring security of shipping routes and foiling Iranophobia attempts.
The 47th flotilla, comprised of Alborz destroyer and Bushehr logistic warship, started its voyage on Sunday after a ceremony in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.
It will go to Oman before sailing into international waters north of the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.
In recent years, Iran’s naval forces have increased their presence in high seas to secure naval routes and protect merchant vessels and oil tankers against pirates.
