Speaking to reporters in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, the senior commander said special plans have been devised to reinforce the Navy in the new Iranian year (which began on March 20) and equip it with advanced gear.
According to the commander, one of the main purposes is to enable the naval forces to “take bigger steps” in naval voyages.
Iran seeks to prepare for “mighty presence” in Latin American waters, Major General Salehi noted.
The aim of presence in faraway waters is to display Iran’s naval power to the world and carry out joint operations with friend countries in other regions, he added.
Back in February 2015, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said “constant” presence in international waters is a strategy pursued by his forces.
The world has now recognized the Iranian Navy as a “power”, the commander had said, adding that such an international status necessitates “an upgrade in the quality of equipment” and science-based development.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has also repeatedly emphasized the necessity for incessant progress of the Iranian Armed Forces irrespective of the political developments.
The Navy should continue playing its major and significant role in safeguarding the national security and public defense and protecting the country’s borders through boosting military preparedness and capabilities, the Leader said in November 2014.