Iran has the capacity to triple its forces in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz in times of war, says a senior Basij official.

"Once a threat is perceived, naval forces of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) can instantaneously triple their presence (along the country's southern shores)," Hojjatoleslam Hossein Taeb, the commander of the Basij Resistance Force, told IRNA on Wednesday.

Basij, a volunteer-based Iranian paramilitary force, assists the country's armed forces in times of crisis.

According to Taeb, Basij forces have taken measures accordingly so that its forces can immediately assist the IRGC whenever deemed necessary.

Iran has tasked the IRGC with providing security in the strategic Strait of Hormuz as well as defending the country's Persian Gulf coast.

Taeb's announcement comes at a time that Iranian armed forces are preparing to counter a potential new military conflict in the region.

Israel, alleging that Iran has plans 'to build a nuclear weapon', insists that the use of military force is a legitimate option in retarding Iranian nuclear progress.

Iran, a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), insists that its nuclear enrichment program is solely directed at the civilian applications of the technology.

Meanwhile, Tehran has warned that it would not hesitate to take all crucial measures in protecting its sovereignty - including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz -- through which as much as 40 percent of the world's sea-transited oil supplies pass.

In line with its defense preparations, Iran has recently reinforced its military presence in and around the strategic waterway.

On Monday, the IRGC inaugurated its fourth naval region at Asalouyeh.

MD/AA