TEHRAN - The Iranian Navy’s Jamaran destroyer on Tuesday saved one of the country’s commercial oil tankers from a pirate attack, Tasnim reported.

According to Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, the destroyer received mayday signals from an Iranian oil tanker on Tuesday morning and headed toward the commercial vessel which was under attack by seven pirate boats.

The assailants were forced to flee after Jamaran opened heavy fire on them, the commander stated.

Jamaran is currently on an overseas mission as a unit serving in the 36th fleet of warships.

The naval fleet, comprising Bushehr logistic vessel and Jamaran destroyer, departed Iran’s southern coasts for the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean in mid-September as part of routine missions to ensure security of the country’s trade vessels.

The Navy says the purpose of such routine missions is to ensure security for vessels in the shipping lines, fight against piracy and hoist the flag of Iran in the high seas.

SP/P