Top Commander: IRGC Navy Planning to Widen Presence in High Seas

“Today, we have been tasked with establishing a presence in the high seas,” Maj. Gen. Salami stated at a ceremony held to pay tribute to the IRGC’s naval forces in the Northeastern city of Mashhad.

He praised the bravery of the IRGC Navy in the face of threats, noting it is unwavering faith that makes the country’s Armed Forces unbreakable against the enemies besides military might.

“Today, we have nothing less than the enemies’ [military equipment]; state-of-the-art missiles, vessels with high stability at sea and other sea-based hardware. Such equipment gets invincible only when accompanied by the brave soldiers’ true faith,” the military chief stated.

“Our criterion is not enjoying equality with the enemies in terms of armaments but strong faith, which is the key to success on the battlefield,” he added.

“I’m sure that there is no fear of the enemies’ superficial grandeur in your hearts” but the main factor needed to face them is faith, the IRGC commander continued.

Salami described the IRGC Navy as a powerful and experienced force, with a mission to pave the way for the Islamic Republic’s presence in the far seas.

On Wednesday, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri said that the military power of Iran is strong, extraordinary and deterrent despite enemy sanctions and pressures, and hailed the IRGC Navy for its remarkable developments in the recent decades.

Addressing a gathering of the IRGC Navy commanders and officials in the Northeastern city of Mashhad, Maj. Gen. Baqeri stated that the IRGC Navy, which has a brilliant background in fighting US aggressors in the Persian Gulf, had made significant development in enhancing the power in the fields of fleet, missile, and drone.

“Thank God, we have witnessed incredible and proud advancements and developments in the capabilities of the IRGC Navy over the past four years, which have promoted the Islamic Republic of Iran’s deterrence power,” he stated.

Referring to the Navy’s strategic role and missions, he noted that safeguarding Iran’s interests in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, which is the responsibility of the IRGC Navy, has established a strong defense in this strategic region.

“Despite the enemy’s sanctions and the maximum pressure, Iran’s military power has been strong, extraordinary and deterrent,” the military official underlined.

“Navy forces have put on the agenda developing equipment and improving the level of combat power,” Baqeri underscored.

The Islamic Republic’s military doctrine holds that the country’s armed capability solely serves defensive purposes.

Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made substantial headway in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the weaponry sphere.

Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that the country will not hesitate to boost its military capabilities, including its missile and drone power, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran’s defense capabilities will never be subject to negotiation.