Iran’s Navy has expanded strategic depth to faraway oceans: Top commander

Iran’s Navy has expanded its power so far that its strategic depth has gone beyond regional waters, says a top commander.

In a Friday message on the occasion of Iran’s Navy Day, Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri said the naval forces of the Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) are two “powerful wings” of the Islamic Republic’s Navy.

“The Islamic Republic’s Navy has boosted its capacities to carry out unique missions and has expanded its strategic depth from the Persian Gulf coasts, the Sea of Oman and the northern parts of the Indian Ocean to the distant waters and faraway oceans.”

He added that the Iranian naval forces are playing a sensitive role as the “anchorage of extra-regional security” and stressed the importance of continuing the honorable path of progress with determination to confront potential threats.

The top Iranian commander said the forces of the Army’s Navy have taken major strides in line with the country’s defensive doctrine and have managed to stand in a position that their strength shattered the dreams of the global arrogance and extra-regional powers of “dominating the security machinery in the region.”

They have introduced Iran as the messenger of peace, friendship and maritime security, Baqeri stated.

In recent years, Iran has made major breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing important military equipment and systems. Iran says its military might poses no threat to other countries, stating that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.

A senior Iranian commander said last month that the naval forces of Iran’s Army and the IRGC have formed a strong “defense chain” from the north of the Persian Gulf to the Northern Indian Ocean.

Iran’s strong defense chain in high seas ready to repel threats: Senior Navy commander

A senior commander says the naval forces of the Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps are ready to give a response to any threat or aggression against the country.

“We are telling the enemies that we will give a response to any threat against our country’s waters and interests,” Iran’s Deputy Navy Commander for Coordination Rear Admiral Hamzeh Ali Kaviani said.

Army’s naval forces will crush any mistake from enemies: Defense Ministry

Iran’s Defense Ministry also said on Friday that enemies and ill-wishers will receive a crushing response from the Army’s naval forces if they carry out any mistake.

In a statement, the ministry said the Iranian Navy’s advances in the defense industry safeguard the strategic national interests, and have brought enemies to the realization that “any mistake will draw a harsh, devastating and regrettable response.”

All friends and foes acknowledge that the defensive power of the Iranian Armed Forces, particularly the Army’s Navy, is a source of confidence for the Iranian nation and the anchorage of sustainable stability in the strategic Persian Gulf region, the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman, it added.

The statement noted that the Army’s naval forces have succeeded in making speedy progress and achieving full preparedness to counter possible threats and boost maritime security.

Read more:

• Iran Navy successfully test-fires new-generation cruise missiles during drills

• Iranian-made ocean-going warship joins IRGC’s naval fleet

• Iran Navy to equip destroyers with vertically-launched missiles

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