Supreme Leader: Iran’s presence in int’l waters inspires nations

Tehran, July 25, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Sunday that the powerful presence of Iran in free international waters brings about hope and inspiration for the nations of the region.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remark at a gathering of senior navy commanders at the Moqaddam Naval Base in the southern Hormuzgan province.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran does not believe in any kind of military aggression, but we believe in our presence in international waters because they belong to all nations and they can be used as a venue for transfer of culture,” he added.

Referring to the international influence of the powerful presence of Iranian navy in Bab el-Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and Suez Canal, the supreme leader noted that such presence made the enemies fearful due to the fact that the presence of the country's naval forces in international waters inspires other nations of the region.

The presence of naval troops in international waters will pave the way for the country's naval forces to turn into a real strategic force, Ayatollah Khamenei added.

The navy commanders briefed Ayatollah Khamenei on the measures taken by special naval forces in international water to defend merchant ships and oil tankers in confronting pirates./end