TEHRAN – The Iranian Army's Navy's 98th Fleet has returned to its home base in Bandar Abbas after successfully completing its mission in the Red Sea. 

The fleet, comprised of the destroyer Jamaran and the support vessel Bushehr, spent over 126 days safeguarding Iran's maritime communication routes in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. 

The fleet's arrival at Bandar Abbas on September 15, 2024, was met with a welcoming ceremony led by Iranian Navy commanders. 

Rear Admiral Babak Baluch, Deputy Coordinator of the Strategic Navy of Iran's Army, highlighted the significance of the mission's successful completion for Iran's national security. He emphasized the Jamaran's effectiveness in ensuring the safety of Iranian maritime communication lines, as well as the country's commercial and oil tankers, amidst a challenging military environment in the region.

Admiral Baluch further noted that the 99th Fleet, consisting of the destroyer Dena and the support vessel Bushehr, is currently deployed in the Gulf of Aden, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Red Sea, continuing to protect Iran's national interests.

The 98th Fleet plays a crucial role in Iran's naval defense strategy, actively patrolling international waters and key regional routes to safeguard Iranian maritime interests and shipping routes. The fleet's operations contribute to Iran's efforts to promote peace and security in the region.