Iran Navy might untouched by US sanctions: Commander

Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari says sanctions by the United States and its allies will fail to hinder the country’s plans to boost its military might.

“Regardless of opposition from the US and its allies, [our] plans will be implemented based on requirements to defend the country’s maritime borders,” Sayyari told reporters in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on Saturday on the sidelines of a ceremony to welcome the 38th fleet of the Iranian Navy.

Despite sanctions, the Iranian naval forces have succeeded in making great achievements, Sayyari said, adding that if all countries opposing the Islamic establishment pool their resources they will fail to make any breakthrough to hinder the Iranian Navy’s progress.

He downplayed the impact of sanctions against the Islamic Republic and said Iran’s Navy has managed to manufacture military equipment, including destroyers such as Jamaran, Damavand and Sahand, under such embargoes.

He added that Iran’s Navy would pay no heed to foreigners’ talks about the country’s maneuvers aimed at enhancing its defense power.

In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in its defense sector and conducted numerous military drills.

Iran has repeatedly assured other countries that its military might poses no threat to other states, insisting that the country’s defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.

Iran's Navy chief further said the 38th fleet returned home after accomplishing its mission in international waters during some 75 days.

He added that the flotilla conveyed Iran’s message of peace and friendship to other countries and carried out measures to fight piracy.

Sayyari said the 39th flotilla of the Iranian Navy, consisting of Alvand destroyer, had set off for the Bay of Bengal to attend a ceremony marking the anniversary of India’s Independence Day (observed annually on August 15) and returned home before the 38th fleet.

He also noted that the 40th fleet, comprising Alborz destroyer and Qom logistic-combat warships, would set off for high seas in near future.

In recent years, Iran’s Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

The Iranian Navy has also been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 in line with international efforts against piracy in order to safeguard merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.

Iran’s Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.

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