Iran Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari says the country’s naval forces are to conduct weeklong massive exercises across one million square kilometers of southern waters as of December 28.

“The specialized maritime maneuver, codenamed Velayat-91, will be held east of the Strait of Hormuz in the Sea of Oman and north of the Indian Ocean as far as the 18th parallel north,” Sayyari told a press conference on Tuesday.

“We are sure to respect the maritime boundaries of neighboring countries and conduct our drill in compliance with the international rules and regulations,” he said.

Sayyari stated that the exercises will involve submarines, destroyers, missiles, surface and subsurface combat, torpedoes, homegrown drones and electronic warfare.

“Tareq submarine, two Ghadir-class submarines and two hovercrafts that recently joined the Navy fleet will be practically assessed during these maneuvers,” he said, adding that new arms and ammunitions would be also tested during the war games.


Over the past few years, Iran has held several military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its armed forces and to test modern military tactics and equipment.

Iran's Navy has been also increasing its naval presence in the international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for Iranian merchant vessels and tankers.

Iran has repeatedly assured other nations, especially neighbors, that its military might poses no threat to other countries, insisting that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.
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