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Iran, Pakistan plan joint naval drills in Persian GulfOnline
TEHRAN: Iran and Pakistan plan to conduct joint naval exercises in the Persian Gulf, a senior navy commander said on Saturday.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk
According to the Iranian Navy’s public relations, the Pakistani Navy’s fleet has already berthed in Bandar Abbas to take part in the joint naval exercises with Iran, the FARS news agency reported.
“The most important programme of the Pakistani fleet during its presence in Bandar Abbas is holding joint naval drills with selected units of the Iranian Navy’s Southern Fleet in the Eastern waters of the Strait of Hormuz on April 8,” the Iranian Navy’s Deputy Commander for Operations Shahram Irani said.
He noted that Pakistan’s naval fleet would have a four-day presence in Bandar Abbas, during which the two countries’ naval commanders would have meetings.
In recent years, Iran’s Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for trade vessels and tankers.
The Islamic republic has repeatedly asserted that its overseas naval presence is meant to convey a message of peace and friendship to other countries.
Iranian officials and commanders have repeatedly underlined that all military exercises and trainings of the Iranian Armed Forces are merely meant to serve deterrent purposes.