Iran says the country's military is set to expand its defensive fronts in the Strait of Hormuz, the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean.

The announcement by Iran's Deputy Army Commander Brigadier General Abdolrahim Moussavi came after the country's Armed Forces inaugurated a new naval base in the strategic port of Jask on Monday.

Describing the port of Jask as the main entrance to Iranian waters, Brig. Gen. Moussavi said the new naval base would act as a protective barrier against enemy infiltration.

The Iranian commander added that the country's Armed Forces have set up an 'impenetrable naval barrier' in the eastern parts of the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman.

Moussavi also stressed the need for the expansion of Iran's military bases, arguing that, "In the past, our military had to brace itself for countering regional enemies. This is while today we are faced with extra-regional threats."

The Iranian commander's remarks come as Washington and Tel Aviv have threatened to launch military strikes on Iran, accusing the country of making efforts to build nuclear bombs.

Iran says its nuclear program is directed at the civilian applications of the technology, including the production of electricity to meet the demands of its growing population.

Tehran has warned that in the event of war, it would not hesitate in taking the necessary measures to protect its sovereignty - including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz - which connects the oil-rich region to high seas, supplying as much as 40 percent of the world's sea-transited crude oil.

CS/HGH