ALWAGHT- Rear Admiral Shahram Irani stresses that Iran is prepared to counter any foreign military presence.
Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of Iran’s Army Navy, warned that the presence of extra-regional military fleets in West Asia is “unjustified” and emphasized Iran’s readiness to confront any foreign military show of force. Speaking before departing for India, he highlighted decades of external threats and foreign naval activity in the region, stating that any fleet entering the area should expect strong resistance from Iran.
Admiral Irani is traveling to India to participate in major maritime events, including the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), the “Milan 2026” naval exercise, and the International Fleet Review. These gatherings aim to enhance maritime cooperation, strengthen dialogue among Indian Ocean littoral states, and promote collective regional security. Meanwhile, Iran and Russia plan joint naval drills in the Sea of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, reflecting growing military coordination and Tehran’s focus on safeguarding strategic waterways amid heightened US naval activity.
The naval maneuvers coincide with ongoing indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, said progress was made on a set of guiding principles for a potential deal, while US Vice President JD Vance cautioned that key American red lines have yet to be fully acknowledged. The exercises and talks together illustrate Tehran’s dual approach of strengthening regional defense while engaging diplomatically on its nuclear program.
