In a address in Tehran, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast also described the strategic Strait of Hormuz, linking the Sea of Oman to the Persian Gulf, as a crucial waterway for the global economy.
Speaking before a gathering of public school educators, Mehmanparast emphasized that the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world's oil supply flows out, clearly explains why its security is of high priority for Iran.
The senior diplomat insisted, however, that no foreign power should imagine that they can determine, for political ends, which states can and which ones can't benefit from Persian Gulf resources.
He added that Tehran spares no effort to maintain security in the Persian Gulf.
Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said Iran has always been in full control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Rear Admiral Sayyari dismissed Western media reports that the massive 10-day Velayat 90 naval drill was designed to show Iran's ability to close the Strait of Hormuz.
Rear Admiral Sayyari also called for vigilance to thwart attempts by the Israeli regime and arrogant powers to foment tension in the oil-rich region.
On January 2, Iran's Navy wrapped up the Velayat 90 naval drill, which it launched on December 24, 2011. The naval maneuvers were conducted in an area stretching from the east of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Aden.
The military drill took place in line with a directive issued by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, instructing Iranian armed forces to maintain total readiness to defend the nation against any potential threats.
press tv/281
A senior Iranian official says the Islamic Republic attaches great significance to the security of the Persian Gulf, stressing that maintaining peace and stability in the vital oil-rich area would be best achieved through a collective regional effort.
News ID 181385
