TEHRAN – Iran is set to hold a naval exercise with certain countries in the northern Indian Ocean by the end of the Iranian calendar year, which ends on March 19.

Shahram Irani, commander of the Iranian Navy, officially declared on Tuesday that the joint exercise will feature the participation of twelve formidable naval forces, including those from Iran’s neighboring countries. 

Providing insights into the strategic maritime efforts, the rear admiral disclosed that the mission to safeguard Iran's shipping lines in international waters was initiated in 2009 under the direct command of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. 

Emphasizing the consistent commitment of the Army's strategic naval force, he highlighted their ongoing role in ensuring the security of the nation's economic hub in both the Gulf of Aden and the northern Indian Ocean.

The admiral further noted the expansion of the security mission beyond securing shipping lines in the Red Sea over the past four years. 

Presently, the comprehensive management of protection for Iran's shipping lines extends from the Gulf of Aden to the Suez Canal.

In a concluding statement, Irani disclosed that the security measures for Iran's shipping lines involve three naval groups stationed at key maritime points. Moreover, he underscored the readiness of the Iranian Navy to provide support to other countries upon their request in these critical areas, echoing similar instances from the past. 

The Iranian Navy stages routine exercises throughout the year. Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made great progress in developing and manufacturing a broad range of military equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in this regard.