An Iranian navy commander leading a unit that arrested 15 UK sailors in the Persian Gulf last year has survived an assassination attempt.

The attack on Colonel Abolqasem Amangah, the commander of the Arvand Rood Navy Base in southern Iran, occurred while he was driving in the eastern Sorkh Hesar district of Tehran last week.

Two groups of unidentified assailants, a group on a motorbike and the other in a car, opened fire on the vehicle of the Iranian commander.

Amangah pulled his car over, took shelter, and managed to escape unhurt.

Security forces have launched an investigation into the incident.

On March 2007, the forces under command of Colonel Amangah, arrested 15 British sailors who trespassed on the Iranian territorial waters.

The sailors were pardoned by the Iranian government and released later.

The navy commander was decorated for his bravery after the incident.

DA/DA