Iranian Navy ready to extend presence to Atlantic Ocean

IRAN: Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari has expressed the readiness of Iranian naval forces to extend their presence to international waters, including the Atlantic Ocean, to protect the Islamic Republic's interests.

"In order to protect the interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran and establish security for our country's trade vessels and oil tankers in free and international waters, we are ready to extend our presence in these areas and even in the Atlantic Ocean," Sayyari said on Sunday.

He added that Iran's presence in the Atlantic Ocean would be in accordance with international regulations and would take place if Iran deems it necessary. He emphasized that Iran's Navy enjoys high capabilities to extend its presence in the high seas "to convey the message of peace and friendship to friendly and brotherly countries in the region and other countries around the world."

The Iranian commander pointed to the country's efforts to fight piracy and noted that the Islamic Republic was among the first countries that dispatched fleets to areas such as the Gulf of Aden to maintain the security of connecting routes and Iranian trade vessels and oil tankers.

Sayyari noted that the fleets of Iran's Navy succeeded in playing a very effective role in improving global security and fighting marine terrorism. He further said that all the equipment of Iran's Navy has been designed and manufactured in proportion to modern state-of-the-art technologies, adding, "This is why we have a strong presence in the high seas."

Iran's Navy has been increasing its naval presence in international waters since last year.

In addition, in line with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to protect vessels involved in maritime trade, especially ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.

PRESS TV