Iranian navy to expand scope of operations in intl. waters

TEHRAN, May 14 (MNA) – The commander of the Navy said that Iran plans to expand the scope of its naval operations in international waters. “In view of the facts that the Navy is expanding the scope of its operations in the north of the Indian Ocean and that we have planned to go to the waters beyond the 10th parallel north, we need to increase cooperation and interaction with the neighboring countries, particularly the countries (located on the shores) of the north of the Indian Ocean,” Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari told reporters on Sunday after a meeting with an Omani military delegation in Tehran. “The Islamic Republic needs to expand relations with its neighbors in order to use their supports to help (its naval) forces carry out their missions,” he said. “We should increase our cooperation and relations with the neighboring countries in order to combat maritime terrorism and protect the security of the region,” he added. The Navy commander also said that Iran and Oman plan to hold joint naval exercises in the near future.