The commander of the Naval Force of the Iranian Army announced that new equipment will join the fleet in the coming days. Rear Admiral Shahram Irani spoke at a press conference ahead of Iran’s Navy Day. He said Iranian naval forces must possess suitable equipment to maintain continuous operations in distant waters.
He stated that new vessels will join the fleet to strengthen economic security and protect global shipping lanes. He noted that Iranian forces now communicate instantly with naval security centers across the Indian Ocean Rim. He added that the Navy can deploy assistance immediately when required.
Last year, Iran deployed its 100th flotilla to the Gulf of Aden to support maritime security. The deployment responded to persistent pirate activity in the region and aimed to secure trade routes for global shipping. Iranian officials said the mission supported both national and international maritime interests.
Iran Highlights Expanded Role in Global Waters
Iran has conducted anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008. The missions protect vessels engaged in regional and international trade. Iranian officials say the Navy safeguards ships and tankers owned or leased by Iran and assists other vessels when necessary.
In recent years, Iran expanded its presence in international waters to protect maritime routes. The Navy also increased its support for merchant ships and oil tankers traveling through strategic waterways.
Rear Admiral Irani addressed the reinstatement of UN sanctions under the snapback mechanism. He argued that the measures failed to hinder Iran’s maritime operations. He said Iranian vessels continue sailing to and from foreign ports despite sanctions.
He cited Iran’s 86th flotilla, which faced sanctions during its Pacific voyage. He mentioned that authorities said the flotilla could not transit the Panama Canal. He noted that the flotilla did not intend to use the canal and still docked in foreign ports with positive reception.
Flotilla Completes Historic Global Circumnavigation
Iran’s 86th flotilla completed the Navy’s first round-the-world mission in May 2023. The fleet included the Iranian-made Dena destroyer and the Makran forward base ship. The mission marked a historic achievement for Iran’s naval forces.
The flotilla departed Bandar Abbas on September 20, 2022. It traveled for 236 days before anchoring at Salalah harbor in Oman. The fleet covered 63,000 kilometers and crossed the equator four times during its journey.
Dena is a Mowj-class destroyer that joined the Navy in June 2021. The vessel carries anti-ship cruise missiles, torpedoes and naval cannons. Makran is a 121,000-ton forward base ship that can carry five helicopters. The ship provides logistical support for combat vessels during long-range missions.
