Alwaght- Iran and Oman naval forces are conduction joint naval drills at the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the northern parts of the Indian Ocean.
Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari told reporters on Monday that the Islamic Republic and Oman stage the joint drills every year. He added that the two countries take turns in hosting the event and this year's drills are hosted by Oman.
He noted that three surface vessels and one helicopter are participating in the maneuvers, which aim to establish security in the region.
The commander of Iran's First Naval Zone, Rear Admiral Hossein Azad, said on Saturday that an Iranian naval flotilla, comprising Sabalan destroyer, Lavan logistic warship and helicopter carrier, SH3D helicopter and Falakhan missile-equipped warships, had left Iran for Oman to take part in the joint drills with the Arab country.
He added that it was imperative to improve security in Iran’s southern waters and the Indian Ocean given their geographical significance in maritime economy and the busy traffic of ships and oil tankers.
Iran and Oman have so far held several naval search and rescue drills aimed at enhancing readiness for providing relief services, conducting rescue operations, improving the level of regional cooperation, and exchanging experience.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Ra'eesi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman received in his office at Mu'askar Al Murtafa' on Sunday Iran's Armed Forces Deputy Chief of Staff for International Affairs, Head of the Iranian side in the Omani-Iranian Military Friendship Committee and his accompanying delegation, currently visiting the Sultanate.
The two sides exchanged cordial conversations and viewpoints on several matters of common concern. They also reviewed the naval military relations between the two friendly countries.
The meeting was attended by senior Sultan Armed Forces (SAF) officers, the Chargé d'affaires at the Iranian Embassy in Muscat and the Military Attaché of the Iranian Embassy in Muscat.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Sayyari said the Iranian and Pakistani naval forces plan to hold a tactical maneuver on Tuesday.
In recent years, the Iranian Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.
In line with international efforts against piracy, the Iranian Navy has been also conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 in order to safeguard merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.
Iran’s Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tanker ships during its missions in international waters.
