Velayat 89 wargame showcases Iran’s might – official

Jask, Hormuzgan Prov., May 8, IRNA – An Iranian army official said here Friday that the Velayat 89 wargame has been conducted mainly to showcase Islamic Iran’s strength in controlling general passing ways hundreds of kilometers far away Hormuz Strait and facilitate connection of ships coming from Hormuz Strait to Persian Gulf.

Spokesman of Velayat 89 maneuver Rear Admiral Qassem Rostamabadi told reporters here Friday that the navy forces are ready to protect Iran’s national interests in the free waters and the Sea of Oman anytime and anywhere.

He stressed that strategic goal of the Navy forces in the operation is leaving Persian Gulf, Hormuz Strait and Sea of Oman.

He added that the goal behind the exercise is relaying message of peace, friendship and calm to the friendly and neighboring countries of the region.

“We want to tell the neighboring states that we can guarantee lasting peace and security in the region along with each other without need to foreigners,” he said.

He hoped that the wargame will serve as a start point to holding similar maneuvers with the neighbors in the future./end