TEHRAN- The commander of the Army’s Navy has emphasized that the maritime economy discourse is a priority for countries, stating that the 86th flotilla has established Iran’s position as one of the naval powers in West Asia and the Islamic world.

In a conference on Saturday, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani talked about the breakthroughs and achievements of the Navy’s 86th flotilla, calling it as the turning point in the Iran’s power to launch such a mission. 

Referring to the fact that the maritime economy discourse is a priority for countries, the naval commander added that the 86th Naval Fleet has solidified Iran’s position as one of the naval powers in West Asia and the Islamic world.

Irani went on to continue that “contrary to all the threats that were expected to occur in this mission, the Navy Fleet of the Army departed safely and returned even safer.”

He also averred that when the flotilla’s flag was hoisted on America’s shores, most western countries used the term of “boat” for describing it in their messages because they believed Iran was unable to manufacture such high-end maritime gear but now, they acknowledge Iran’s capability.

Given ocean economy, Admiral Irani noted that it will definitely cover global developments, climate, environment, and technology in the next 20 years.

He said that according to the remarks made by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, Iran should not lag behind other countries in maritime matters and must reach the highest growth in utilizing maritime capacity, which has certainly changed towards prosperity with the policies implemented.

For the first time in Iran’s naval history, Iran's 86th flotilla, featuring the domestically manufactured Dena Destroyer and Makran forward base ship, returned on May 17, 2023 after completing the inaugural round-the-world mission. 

The fleet successfully circumnavigated the globe, traversing the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans, marking a historic achievement for Iran's naval forces. 

Departing from Bandar Abbas on September 20, 2022, the flotilla concluded its 236-day journey by anchoring at Oman's Salalah harbor. Covering a total distance of 63,000 kilometers, the fleet crossed the equator four times during its remarkable expedition.

Dena is a Mowj-class destroyer that joined the Iranian Navy in June 2021. The military vessel is equipped with anti-ship cruise missiles, torpedoes and naval cannons.

Makran is a forward base ship weighing 121,000 tons. The warship can carry five helicopters and is employed for providing logistical support for combat warships.

Last week, the 94th flotilla of warships of the Iranian Navy reached the territorial seas following a protracted mission in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Amid tensions heightened by foreign intervention in the region, the Islamic Republic is increasing its naval presence in the high seas.

After traversing more than 12,000 kilometers of maritime channels over the course of 91 days, the flotilla, headed by the frigate Alborz, reached the Islamic Republic’s territorial seas last week. 

Rear Admiral Farhad Fattahi, deputy commander of the First Naval Region of the Iranian Navy, praised the presence of Iranian flotilla in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden at a welcoming ceremony held in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.

The commander went on to note that the naval deployment protects Iran’s national interests and acts as a source of pride for the Iranian people.

Captain Ali Khazaei, commander of the Iranian Navy’s 94th flotilla, stated that Iranian marines followed the guidelines established by Ayatollah Khamenei for the protection of Iran’s interests and assets on the high seas, and raised the Islamic Republic’s flag in international waters.

Ayatollah Khamenei stated in August 2023 that the Navy’s presence in faraway seas such as the Pacific and Atlantic oceans benefits national security.

The Leader added that “the United States and other superpowers monopolize general issues about mankind. If they could, those powers would even claim the seas in their name so that others would not have access to the natural resources.”

Iran’s Navy has achieved self-sufficiency in manufacturing surface and sub-surface vessels in recent years. It has also increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

Iranian military experts and engineers have made remarkable breakthroughs in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment in recent years, contributing to the armed forces' self-sufficiency.