Iran sends naval fleet to Russia

A deputy commander of the Iranian Navy says Iran has dispatched a naval fleet to the Russian port city of Astrakhan in a move to consolidate friendly relations between Tehran and Moscow.

Rear Admiral Siavash Jarreh on Wednesday said “Two missile-launching warships, which were manufactured by the Iranian young specialists and joined the naval forces in 2003 and 2006, have been dispatched for the first time to Russia’s Astrakhan Port in the form of a naval group.”
The Iranian commander added the measure is aimed at consolidating the amicable ties between Iran and Russia and conveying Tehran’s message of peace and friendship to the Caspian Sea littoral states,.
Jarreh pointed out during the Iranian naval fleet’s stay at Astrakhan Port, the Iranian naval officers will visit some military and port facilities in Russia and hold meetings with a number of high-ranking Russian commanders and officials.
On April 21, a group of Russian Navy warships docked at the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas after a long journey from the Pacific Ocean.
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.