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Iran’s 34th naval fleet docks at Muscat port in Oman

Iran’s Alborz destroyer, foreground, before leaving Iranian waters (undated photo)

The Iranian Navy’s 34th naval fleet has docked at Muscat port in Oman as the Islamic Republic seeks to expand its presence in the high seas.

The flotilla, comprising Alborz destroyer and Bushehr logistic vessel, arrived at the port on Monday after conducting a 60-day mission in the Indian Ocean, Sea of Oman and the Gulf of Aden.

The naval fleet had left Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas on April 8 for the Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab Strait to protect Iran’s interests in free waters.

Commander of the 34th fleet, Captain Mostafa Tajeddini, described the flotilla’s mission as more difficult and different in nature compared to previous missions.

He said that naval forces carried out the two-month mission in the best manner possible.

Iran’s Bushehr logistic vessel

 

The naval forces thwarted pirate attacks, protected Iran’s interests and escorted the country’s commercial vessels and oil tankers, the captain added.

Tajeddini also said the presence of the Iranian flotilla at the Omani port sends the message of peace and friendship to the regional countries.  

Over the past few years, Iran’s Navy has increased its presence in free waters to safeguard naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

The Iranian Navy, in line with international efforts against piracy, has also been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 in order to protect ships and tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.

Iran’s Navy has managed to foil several pirate attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers in its missions in international waters.

AR/GHN/HMV


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