QOM (Tasnim) � Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari highlighted his forces� presence in waters around the world and said it is indicative of the country�s power in the international arena.





�Today, we have presence in oceans around the world at the behest of Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces (Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei),� Rear Admiral Sayyari said in a speech in the central city of Qom on Wednesday.

�Iran�s national flag is hoisted across the world, which demonstrates the Islamic Republic�s power,� the commander added.

He further described Iran as �the main regional player� and said other countries in the region or the world cannot make major decisions without the presence of the country.

Earlier this month, Sayyari referred to the Navy�s international missions to combat piracy and secure naval routes, saying that more than 3,000 ships have been escorted by the Navy�s fleets in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb.

In recent years, Iran�s naval forces have increased their presence in international waters to secure naval routes and protect merchant vessels and oil tankers against pirates.

In line with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.

By Tasnim News Agency