TEHRAN - Iran's Navy Chief Rear Admiral Shahram Irani has rolled out Tehran’s ambitious plans for the future, saying the West Asian country is planning to maintain presence in oceans across the world. 

“Coordination is underway and equipment is being prepared so that we can simultaneously be present in all oceans; because there are economic interests of the people there,” Irani said during a military ceremony in the coastal province of Mazandaran on Friday.

“If any mischief occurs, the Islamic Republic of Iran has enough capability to defend itself. Also, regional countries and people do not allow foreigners and non-regional actors to interfere and engage in mischief,” the commander said, adding that the Caspian Sea will remain a sea of “peace” and “friendship”. 

“All countries and people in the region will join hands to witness economic growth in the region,” the admiral pointed out.

Last month, the commander announced that Iran will be setting up a permanent military base in Antarctica. “We have ownership in Antarctica and the plan is to hoist the Iranian flag there and establish a permanent base,” he declared during an interview.

Iran’s naval forces have been able to make headways and achieve several unprecedented accomplishments in recent years. 

In May of this year, the Iranian Navy’s 86th flotilla managed to complete an eight-month mission that involved sailing around the world. The flotilla, which consisted of the Dena destroyer and Makran forward base ship, sailed across the Indian Pacific, and Atlantic oceans without needing assistance from land. It traveled 63,000 kilometers and crossed the Equator four times. The mission was part of Iran's efforts to expand its naval presence in the high seas, showcasing its capability and commitment to defending its economic interests. It also happened despite years of debilitating sanctions by the West.