TEHRAN- The Iranian Navy Commander has defended his forces' seizure of an American oil tanker, asserting that the action was taken in accordance with international law.

"We have taken back what they had stolen," Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said.

Addressing reporters at a ceremony unveiling Iran's first domestically produced AB-212 helicopter simulator, Admiral Irani underscored the importance of training in the armed forces, particularly in specialized operations.

"The simulator is an indispensable tool for helicopter pilots," he said. "Thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Defense and our own expertise, we have developed a simulator that is second to none."

He highlighted the indigenous nature of the simulator and its potential for application in various flight simulator domains. 

He also emphasized the cost-effectiveness of the domestic simulator, noting that it is one-tenth the price of its foreign counterparts.

Commenting on the Iranian Navy's advancements in acquiring new and advanced equipment, Admiral Irani attributed the achievements to the country's progress, the dedication of its scientists and engineers, and the support of the Iranian people and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

"The Iranian Navy has achieved remarkable capabilities in surface, subsurface, and flight operations, particularly in the field of unmanned systems," he stated.

In conclusion, he reaffirmed that the seizure of the American oil tanker was a direct result of the Navy's training and preparedness.