TEHRAN -- The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Wedensday that the Islamic Repubic of Iran's Navy is at the forefront of defending the Persian Gulf in the face of any attack by those enemies who are alien to the region.

The Brigadier General Sayed Rahim Safavi who is on a two-day visit to Bandar-Abbass said belief, revolutionary fervor, martyrdom-seeking spirit and the presence of the trained Basijis (volunteers) have the final say any naval confrontation with the the enemies.

He said the IRGC Navy is eqipped with the lates equipment and technology for defending the country's sea borders.

He also noted the IRGC has advance floating units and has increased its armed capabilities by employing trained Basiji forces from one to three.

He cited the effective and the deterrent power of the IRGC for defending the islands and the country's intersts as among other capabilities of the IRGC Navy.

Pointing to te the strategic importance of Hormoz Waterway Safavi said this waterway has a very important effect on international and regional economy and no alternative can be found for it.

He said most of the needed energy to the Western and industrialized countries is passed through Hormoz Waterway so that 90 percent of energy needs of Japan and 75 percent of Europe and 30 percent of the U.S. and Canada is passed from here.

Safavi further noted that the Persian Gulf is the most important connection point between Asian, European and African continents.