“For the first time, the 44th flotilla comprised of Alvand and Bushehr destroyers could sail around the African continent and enter the Atlantic Ocean,” Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari told reporters in Tehran on Monday.
“The two destroyers are now deployed in Durban Harbor (South Africa),” he added.
Noting that the deployment of the 44th flotilla of warships in the international waters indicates the Iranian Navy’s might and power, Admiral Sayyari said, “In addition to that, 5 fleets of warships have also been sent to other countries so far with a message of peace and friendship.”
Back in 2014, Admiral Sayyari had announced the country’s plans to deploy troops in the Atlantic Ocean.
“The Iranian Navy will definitely be present in the Atlantic Ocean in the near future,” Admiral Sayyari said at the time, Fars reported.
He noted that conducting reciprocal visits to other countries, including the littoral states of the Indian Ocean and African countries, and exchanging naval visits and voyages are among the Navy’s programs.
“We are ready to hold joint naval drills with the neighboring countries as well,” Admiral Sayyari said.
In recent years, Iran’s Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for trade vessels and tankers.
The Islamic Republic has repeatedly asserted that its overseas naval presence is meant to convey a message of peace and friendship to other countries.
