The senior commander on Friday said the Iranian Navy forces were present in international waters, including the Pacific Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, with the aim of foiling Iranophobia schemes, strengthening ties with these regions’ littoral states, and sending a message of peace and friendship to these countries.
Admiral Sayyari made the remarks in an address to Friday prayers worshippers in Tehran prior to the main sermons as Iran marks the National Navy Day.
He added that the country’s Navy forces frequent the Gulf of Aden, the Northern Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, the China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean to demonstrate the Islamic Republic’s capabilities and power.
The Islamic Republic has repeatedly assured other nations that its military might poses no threat to other countries, saying that Iran’s defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Admiral Sayyari noted that the Iranian Navy, as a sideline mission, has so far escorted and helped close to 2000 commercial vessels belonging to 22 countries.
He said the Navy has also had 150 clashes with pirates in international waters.
In recent years, the Iran Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.