TEHRAN – The commander of the Iranian Navy has announced the intention to establish a base in the South Pole, aligning with the current global trend of nations expanding their influence in this strategic region.

Rear Admiral Shahram Irani emphasized that the operational decisions of the Iranian Navy are guided by the precise vision of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

He announced the establishment of strategic commands in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, with plans for a permanent deployment in these crucial regions in the near future.

Highlighting the success of the Navy's 86th flotilla during its mission to sail around the world, Irani noted that it involved 11 months of meticulous scientific planning. The ambitious goal of traversing the largest ocean for the first time showcased the armed forces' mastery of complex weather and ocean conditions.

Admiral Irani provided details about the integration of 50 years' worth of oceanic meteorological data into advanced software, a crucial element in plotting the course for the unprecedented global journey of the 86th flotilla.

During the worldwide voyage of the 86th flotilla, Irani disclosed the presence of a blood bank on board, prepared for any unforeseen needs that might arise during their mission.

Further underscoring Iran's advancements in naval navigation and storm passage techniques, the Commander highlighted the nation's prowess showcased during the 86th flotilla’s global journey.

In a notable revelation, Irani shared that the destroyer Dena successfully completed its mission around the globe without any damage to its equipment, attracting significant interest and support post-mission.

For the first time in Iran’s naval history, Iran's 86th flotilla, featuring the domestically manufactured Dena Destroyer and Makran forward base ship, returned on May 17, 2023 after completing the inaugural round-the-world mission. The fleet successfully circumnavigated the globe, traversing the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans, marking a historic achievement for Iran's naval forces. Departing from Bandar Abbas on September 20, 2022, the flotilla concluded its 236-day journey by anchoring at Oman's Salalah harbor. Covering a total distance of 63,000 kilometers, the fleet crossed the equator four times during its remarkable expedition.

Dena is a Mowj-class destroyer that joined the Iranian Navy in June 2021. The military vessel is equipped with anti-ship cruise missiles, torpedoes and naval cannons.

Makran is a forward base ship weighing 121,000 tons. The warship can carry five helicopters and is employed for providing logistical support for combat warships.

Concluding the address, he emphasized that the 86th flotilla’s global deployment proudly showcased the sacred flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran across the world's oceans, underscoring Iran's global significance.

Iran’s Navy has achieved self-sufficiency in manufacturing surface and sub-surface vessels in recent years. It has also increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

Iranian military experts and engineers have made remarkable breakthroughs in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment in recent years, contributing to the armed forces' self-sufficiency.