In a visit to a naval base in southern Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces was briefed on the activities of the Navy in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and international waters.Addressing a group of senior Navy commanders at the base, Ayatollah Khamenei said that there are many capacities and areas for further progress of the Navy. He stressed that the increased presence and activities of the Navy in international waters will prepare the ground for the Navy to become a genuinely strategic force.
His Eminence said that the presence of Iran's Navy in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal brought about glory for Iran. He added: "This presence really frightened the enemy because the powerful presence of the Islamic Republic of Iran's naval units in international waters is a source of hope and inspiration for other nations."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not an aggressive country. "But it will be present in international waters because international waters belong to all nations and they provide an opportunity for cultural exchanges."
His Eminence added: "With such strategic characteristics, the Navy will play a significant role in politics, national dignity and independence of the country."
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that executive organizations should cooperate with the Armed Forces in order to address the needs of the Army personnel and their families.