Iran to Hold Joint Naval Drill with Oman
The naval forces of Iran and Oman plan to hold a joint rescue and relief drill in the waters south of Iran in the coming months.
According to Press TV, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on Tuesday that the maritime drill is scheduled to be held in the east of the Strait of Hormuz and Sea of Oman, sometime between April 21 and May 21.
The Iranian commander also highlighted the importance of naval presence in the seas for the two countries, and stressed that sustainable security in the region is a prerequisite for the fulfillment of interests of the neighboring states. The commander described Iran and Oman as two main players in providing security for the region.
Sayyari further pointed to Iran and Oman's dominance over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the Indian Ocean, saying the two Muslim countries can cooperate to maintain permanent security in the region.
The world should know that “regional countries including the Islamic Republic of Iran and Oman are capable of ensuring security in the region and thus, there is no need for the presence of foreign countries in the region,” he emphasized.
In line with international efforts against piracy, the Iranian Navy has also been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 in order to safeguard merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.
