TEHRAN (ISNA)- Iranian Navy's Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Gholam-Reza Khadem Bigham said nobody is allowed to close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Khadem Bigham reiterated that Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is an international waterway and Iranian ships, like those of other countries, have the right to pass through this canal.

He reiterated that the presence of Iranian navy in international waters are aimed at establishing security, helping the ships against the pirates' potential attacks and having a positive impact in expansion of foreign policies.

'Iran's naval presence overseas is meant to convey a message of peace and friendship to other countries,' he added.

By ISNA