TEHRAN (FNA)- The Iranian and Omani naval forces started joint exercises in the Eastern parts of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf on Wednesday morning.

"It is the fifth joint wargames by Iran and Oman of this type and level, with a set of specified goals," Commander of the Iranian Navy's First Zone Rear Admial Hossein Azad told reporters today.

"Establishment of security and safety for vessels, cargo ships, oil tankers and coordination in relief and rescue operations in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters are among the main objectives of the drills," he added.

Azad underlined that the Iranian and Omani navies as well as the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) forces and Iran's Shipping Lines Company have participated in the wargames.

Iran and Oman have had vast cooperation in the military field and the two countries have already held several joint naval drills.

In September 2013, Iran and Oman signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost their mutual cooperation in the defense sector.

The MoU was signed by Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan and Omani Minister Responsible for Defense Affairs Badr Bin Saud Bin Harib al-Busaidi in Tehran.

Iran attaches great importance to the consolidation of its ties with the Persian Gulf littoral states, specially Oman, to maintain security in the region.

By Fars News Agency