TEHRAN - Iran plans to hold a maneuver in the Sea of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayari revealed here on Saturday.

The maneuver codenamed “Etehad 86” (Unity 86) is intended to increase the military capabilities of the Iranian Navy, the commander explained.
“The Etehad 86 maneuver will be held in February,” he told a press conference.
New submarine
Sayari gave news of a new locally-made submarine which will join the Navy soon.
“Through the efforts of its specialists, now the Navy has produced a new submarine,” he told reporters, adding that the submarine was to be delivered to the Navy on November 28, the date marking the National Navy Day.
Iran has no plan to close the Strait of Hormuz
“We have no plans to close the Strait of Hormuz, but we are ready to carry out any operation so to guard our interests,” Sayari stressed.
The Navy has the ability to give proportional response to any kind of threat posed by the enemy, the top commander explained.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is not a threat to any country, but would not allow any country to threaten its territorial integrity, he noted.
The Navy has the potential to control all enemy movements in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman and to give a crushing answer to enemies when needed thanks to domestically-made equipment, the top commander said.
U.S. fleet
Asked about the presence of the U.S. fleet in the Persian Gulf, he said the presence of the U.S. fleet in the region is only a propaganda campaign against Iran.
“The Navy is monitoring all regional and extra-regional movements by the enemy, and will not allow any wrong moves to be taken,” he explained.
Iran poses no threat to region
The navy commander stated that Iran poses no threat to regional countries.
“Security can be established in the region only through a cooperation of regional countries, and the Islamic Republic is not a threat to any country,” he reiterated.
Iran has the ability to defend its borders and establish peace in the Middle East with the help of regional countries, he insisted, adding, “I believe that foreign forces should leave the region as soon as possible so to escape the quagmire they have created for themselves.