Need to Intensify Naval Development

Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called for intensified efforts to speed up the development of naval sector.

"The navy is at the forefront of defending the country … and its [strong] presence in the high seas should continue," Ayatollah Khamenei was quoted as saying by his official website.

"A good growing trend has begun in the naval sector and the navy is much more advanced and capable than 20 years ago. But the level of progress is not satisfactory and this trend is expected to be pursued with greater speed … in all sectors," he said.

The Leader was speaking in a meeting with top navy commanders on the occasion of National Navy Day on Tuesday.

In recent years, Iran's naval forces have increased their presence on the high seas to secure naval routes and protect merchant vessels and oil tankers against pirates. Iran's new naval commander, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi, vowed last week to send warships to America's backyard.

 He said plans were being drawn up for vessels to be dispatched to the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean "in the near future".

"They would also visit South American countries," he added.

Khanzadi, who was serving as deputy Navy commander for planning, was promoted to Navy chief in a decree by Ayatollah Khamenei early this month to replace Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari.

Sayyari has been appointed to the post of deputy Army commander for coordination.