Iran navy defending national interests around globe: Cmdr.

Tehran, IRNA - Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, the Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, has underscored that Iran's Army Navy is defending the national interests of the Islamic country not only in territorial waters but also throughout the world. The rear admiral made the remarks in a ceremony commemorating the Army Navy in the presence of some military attachés from neighboring and friendly countries in Tehran on Wednesday, noting that the naval forces have not only strengthened sustainable security in territorial waters but also around the globe in order to defend Iran’s national interests. As to the courage and self-sacrifice of the Iranian naval forces, he said that the Iranian troops stood against the broaden and cruel attacks by the Iraqi Baath regime during the eight-year war, which was backed by global arrogance with the aim of toppling the then newly-established Islamic Republic of Iran. Irani further said that the Iranian Army Navy has succeeded in manufacturing vessels, submarine, destroyer, missile frigate, aircraft carrier, marine diesel and other equipment despite the fact that the country is under illegal and cruel sanctions. According to the commander, the Islamic Republic pursues developing maritime diplomacy in cooperation with neighboring and friendly countries; and as a member state of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), Tehran hosted a meeting in October. The Iranian Navy has dispatched 87 Squadrons to far seas in order to guarantee security of trade ships of the Islamic Republic, also assist vessels from other countries and safeguard international shipping lines, he added. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish