Tasnim � An Iranian naval flotilla left the country for waters off the coasts of Oman to attend a joint drill with the Arab country in which the two sides will exercise maritime rescue and relief operations, an Iranian commander said.

Oman hosts this year�s joint exercise, to be held in the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean for one week, Commander of Iran�s First Naval Zone Admiral Hossein Azad said Saturday.

Iran and Oman decided to stage such a drill given the significant role of the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean in maritime economy, the heavy sea traffic in the area, and the need to ensure maritime security in the region and practice rescue and relief tactics, the commander added.

Iran has dispatched around 1,000 naval forces to the drill on board Sabalan destroyer, Lavan logistic warship which carries helicopters, an SH3D Sea King helicopter, and Falakhan missile-launching corvette, he added.

Iran and Oman have held several joint naval drills in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman in recent years.