TEHRAN – The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has proven its capability to operate in international waters, according to a statement made by a senior commander of the IRGC's fifth Martyr Lieutenant General Haj Qassem Soleimani fleet.

On Monday, Colonel Soleimani highlighted the strategic shift that has allowed the IRGC Navy to extend its operational reach far beyond the Persian Gulf.

The commander explained that following the imposition of U.S. sanctions on the IRGC Navy, it became essential to demonstrate that the force is not confined to coastal operations. "We had to show that the IRGC Navy is not just a coastal force and is capable of deploying heavy vessels, enabling it to maintain a presence in international waters," Colonel Soleimani stated.

Leading this demonstration was the domestically-developed Shahid Mahdavi oceangoing warship, which served as the fleet’s flagship during its mission. 

The mission began from Farsi Island in the Persian Gulf, a location of significant historical importance where a U.S. operation had previously claimed the life of an IRGC commander. This, according to Soleimani, sent a "significant message" to the United States.

During its journey, the Shahid Mahdavi warship navigated through several key maritime chokepoints, including the strategic Strait of Malacca. 

The flotilla’s voyage marked a series of firsts for the IRGC Navy, as it crossed the Equator, entered the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet's operational zone, and approached Diego Garcia Island, a critical U.S. military base in the Indian Ocean. After 39 days at sea, the fleet successfully returned to Iran.

"We wanted to convey a message to the Americans that we are capable of reaching the closest points to you," Soleimani emphasized, underlining the mission's strategic implications. He also reiterated that the operation was conducted in a "completely professional" manner, with no intent to provoke tension.

This demonstration of the IRGC Navy's extended capabilities comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with the United States recently deploying a guided missile submarine to West Asia. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has also announced plans to expedite the deployment of an aircraft carrier to the region.

The Shahid Mahdavi, a 2,100-ton multipurpose warship designed for long-range operations, has played a pivotal role in this mission. 

Measuring 240 meters in length and 27 meters in width, the warship is equipped with advanced systems including three-dimensional phased array radar, sea-to-sea and sea-to-air missiles, and sophisticated telecommunications systems for electronic warfare. 

The vessel, which joined the IRGC’s naval fleet in March 2023, is also capable of carrying a variety of attack helicopters, combat drones, and fast attack craft.