Iran Guarantor of Persian Gulf Peace, Security: IRGC Navy Chief
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri articulated Iran's strategic vision for peace and security in the Persian Gulf, emphasizing the region's economic value and historical legacy while warning of external threats.
"Today, our strategy in the Persian Gulf is peace, security, brotherhood and friendship," Rear Admiral Tangsiri said, warning against the presence of foreigners in the region who are disrupting the region's security.
"From a security perspective, this region is very important and we have repeatedly conveyed messages of peace and friendship and we are pursuing the establishment of security in the Strait of Hormuz and have secured the daily passage of 83 ships that cross this strait," he added.
The commander emphasized the symbolic significance of April 29th for the region, which marks the end of Portugal's 117-year occupation of the Persian Gulf in 1622.
He stated that the region is "very important" in terms of security issues, emphasizing Iran's repeated message of peace and friendship to regional countries.
Tangsiri emphasized the strategic importance of the inland sea, stating that the deepest waters are on the Persian Gulf's coast and the best waterways are on the Iranian side.
He added that Iran seeks to establish security in the Strait of Hormuz and has guaranteed security for the 83 ships that pass through the strait every day.
However, the IRGC commander emphasized that foreigners are jeopardizing the security of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
"This region is strategic and economic, and important for us and our neighbors," the IRGC navy chief said, emphasizing that "foreigners are pursuing two ominous goals" of illegitimate presence and arms sales in the Persian Gulf.
"Those who come to this region from thousands of miles away are not seeking security. We have conveyed a message of peace, friendship and brotherhood to the Muslim countries of the region," he added.
Tangsiri said Iran has emphasized "mutual interests with the countries of the region."
He stated officials "must implement the Leader's order" on developing Iran's maritime capabilities, adding that the Persian Gulf has major economic importance, holding 40% of the world's gas and 62% of its oil reserves.
The Persian Gulf, which covers approximately 251,000 square kilometers, is bounded in the north by the Arvand River, which serves as the border between Iran and Iraq, and in the south by the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean.
The important inland waterway serves as an international commercial corridor, connecting West Asia to Africa, India, and China.
