TEHRAN – Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says Iran has made remarkable advancements in propelling scientific knowledge forward, paving the way for enhanced ocean navigation capabilities.

Admiral Irani made the remarks at a conference titled "Economy and Power in the Maritime Axis" on Wednesday.

He underscored Iran's enduring role in maritime economy, harking back to the era of the Sacred Defense and extending into the contemporary global oceanic landscape.

The Sacred Defense refers to Iran’s defense against the invading Saddam Hussein army in the 1980s officially known as the Iran-Iraq War.

Irani emphasized the pivotal role of the Army's Navy in safeguarding the Persian Gulf since the dawn of the Islamic Revolution, citing persistent threats such as maritime piracy and terrorism, reaffirming Iran's unwavering commitment to protecting maritime interests.

He attributed the successful execution of the 86th flotilla mission to the unwavering dedication of Iranian experts, acknowledging their pivotal role in the recent achievements of the Iranian navy.

Irani commended the emergence of expertise across various domains during the 86th flotilla mission, particularly highlighting achievements in readiness, management, and military operations.

He lauded the comprehensive medical support provided during the mission, including surgeries and resuscitation efforts, which served as a testament to the Navy's capabilities.

Despite negative propaganda, Irani recounted the warm reception received during the mission in Jakarta, marking a significant milestone in the Iranian navy's journey into the Pacific Ocean.

He underscored the resilience exhibited by Iranian sailors in overcoming challenges, exemplified by the safe navigation of the Dena destroyer despite encountering a sunken American-made vessel.

Irani also emphasized Iran's firm assertion in political, legal, and military authority in the Pacific Ocean, reaffirming the navy's unwavering commitment to ensuring maritime security.

Highlighting Iran's progress towards self-sufficiency in naval equipment, he hailed the prowess of the Dena destroyer, a symbol of the nation's strength and dignity.

Additionally, Irani stressed the paramount importance of advancing maritime economy, calling for concerted efforts to bridge the gap between current achievements and future aspirations.

The conference culminated with the unveiling of the book titled "Strategic Outcomes of the 86th Flotilla of the Army's Navy," marking a significant milestone in the documentation of Iran's maritime endeavors.

Despite facing sanctions, the 86th flotilla of the Iranian Navy completed a circumnavigation of the world to demonstrate the Islamic Republic’s maritime strength.

On September 20, 2022, the flotilla departed from Bandar Abbas, a port city on the shores of the Persian Gulf, and sailed across the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans without needing assistance from land. It traveled 63,000 kilometers and crossed the equator four times and returned to Iran on May 20, 2023.

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.