Countries in the region should ensure security of strait of Hormuz: IRGC Navy chief
TEHRAN- Emphasizing that security of the strategic strait of Hormuz should be ensured by the countries of the region, IRGC Navy chief Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri stated that outsiders in the region create division between Muslim nations.
Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri, the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy, met and talked with Brigadier General Hamed bin Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Balushi, the deputy chief of staff of Oman's Armed Forces on Friday.
In the meeting, Iran’s Tangsiri and Oman’s Al Balushi discussed the importance of maritime relations and their role in ensuring comprehensive security and stability in the region.
The Iranian commander enlisted the reasons behind foreigners’ presence in the region as “creating conflict, division, selling weapons and exploiting the resources of these important regions.”
Rear Admiral Tangsiri clarified, “We have always sought unity and convergence between Muslim nations,” highlighting the Tehran-Muscat long historical record, especially, the two states’ friendly relations during the imposed war (1980-88), where Muscat backed Tehran in its war against the Baath regime.
Referring to the crimes of the cruel and child-killing Zionist regime in recent weeks, the IRGC Navy chief hailed Oman’s stance toward the Israeli regime, which has brutally massacred the oppressed women and children in Gaza.
According to Tangsiri, it is necessary to support all Muslim nations with no difference between Shia and Sunnis.
He also called Iranian youth’s design and manufacturing of the indigenous weapons “unique and state of an art.”
Brigadier General Al Balushi, for his part, lauded the hospitality of the IRGC Navy, saying Oman stands with Iran in ensuring security.
He also emphasized that “Muslim nations should work together in providing security.”
A joint naval exercise involving Iranian and Omani military forces was held on Thursday.
The joint naval rescue and relief exercise took place near the Hormuz Strait and the northern parts of the Indian Ocean.
Military vessels and airborne units from the two neighbors took part in the drill.
They included units from the Royal Navy of Oman along with units from the Iranian Navy, Air Force, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy, the Border Police’s Naval Division, and the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran.
During the one-day drill, the Iranian and Omani military helicopters monitored the maritime traffic in the region. Iranian drones also made reconnaissance sorties to detect military and trade vessels across the war game zone.
The two countries have held several joint naval drills in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman in recent years.