Iran dispatches new combat flotilla to international waters

Iran’s Navy has dispatched a new combat and training flotilla to the high seas on a multipronged mission.

The fleet, comprising the Bushehr and Tunb warships, left the southern port city of Bandar Abbas on Friday during a ceremony attended by Rear Admiral Shahram Irani.

Addressing the ceremony, the Navy commander said the flotilla had been sent on a “heavy and multidimensional mission.”

He said the Navy cadets on board the fleet will receive training in the mission to get prepared to assume sensitive responsibilities in the future.

The commander said the Iranian naval forces have had an active presence in the high seas and oceans despite all plots by the enemies.

Irani pointed to the Navy’s two major operations in recent months, including the seizure of a US oil tanker in the Sea of Oman, and said the Iranian Armed Forces and Navy are resolute in the defense of national interests.

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The Iranian Navy commander said simultaneous with the deployment of the new fleet, four Iranian combat flotillas are also sailing in the international waters.

Iran’s Navy has in recent years achieved self-sufficiency in manufacturing surface and sub-surface vessels. It has also increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said in August that the Navy's presence in remote waters such as the Pacific and Atlantic oceans contributes to national security.

Iranian Navy proved high seas belong to all nations: Ayatollah Khamenei

By your global voyage, you proved the high seas belong to all nations, the Leader told Iran

"The United States and other superpowers monopolize general issues about mankind. If they could, those powers would even claim the seas in their name so that others would not have access to the natural resources," Ayatollah Khamenei stated.

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