Iran, Oman to hold joint naval drill

An Iranian Navy commander has announced that the naval forces of the Islamic Republic and Oman plan to hold a joint rescue and relief drill in Iran’s southern territorial waters.

According to Press TV, Captain Seyyed Omid Golestaneh said on Monday that various maritime accidents and unfavorable weather and sea conditions are among the dangers that have always threatened the safety of the vessels and the crew of the ships.
Golestaneh added that the execution of timely rescue and relief operations in such circumstances reduces damages and casualties.
On Sunday, Oman’s naval vessel Nasr al-Bahr docked at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port along with a helicopter.
Tehran and Muscat have agreed to carry out joint naval drills every year. The exercises are aimed at enhancing the readiness for the provision of relief services, rescue operations, the level of regional cooperation and the exchange of experience.
Iran and Oman staged a joint naval relief and rescue drill in February 2011. Four Omani vessels, two fighter jets and one maritime helicopter as well as four Iranian naval ships participated in the drill.