Iran Navy repels pirate attacks in free seas

Iran’s naval forces have successfully thwarted two pirate attacks on an Iranian oil tanker in international waters.

Iran’s Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari told reporters on Tuesday that the Iranian oil tanker came under pirate attack twice in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea, but Iranian naval forces managed to thwart their attempt.

“The warships of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Navy have provided full security for voyages of Iranian vessels,” Sayyari said.

He added that Iran’s naval forces are present in high seas to convey the message of peace and friendship and ensure security for the country’s economy.

“The 29th fleet of Iran’s Navy is in the Red Sea and Iran’s naval forces are mightily safeguarding the security of the waters,” Sayyari said.

The commander noted that free seas belong to all countries. So, every country which has necessary capabilities, such as Iran, can be present there.

In recent years, Iran’s Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

In line with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has also been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.

The Iranian Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its mission in international waters.

On February 13, Sayyari said Iran’s naval forces thwarted over 150 pirate attacks on Iranian merchant vessels and oil tankers in the past four years.