Iran Stages Military Drill in Caspian Sea

"The maneuver…totally aims to achieve and preserve collective security, and it is natural that preparedness of forces, as well as [military] equipment and weapons must be maintained at a meaningful level in order to ensure security,” Khanzadi said on Saturday.

He added that the sustainability of the maneuver, dubbed Sustainable Security and Power in the Caspian Sea, hinges on the combat preparedness of the forces and cooperation of neighboring countries.

The Iranian commander stressed the importance of maintaining the naval forces' combat readiness in the Caspian Sea in order to prevent possible emergence of global terrorism.

He noted that the drill would be held "independently" within the framework of an agreement among neighboring countries' naval forces.

Iran's Navy makes efforts to maintain security in the Caspian Sea and underscores that the security of the world’s largest inland body should be preserved by its littoral states, he added.

"Based on the agreements made, no country outside the region should be present in the Caspian Sea at all," Khanzadi pointed out.

Iran is also planning to hold joint military drills in the Caspian Sea with Russia.

Early in January, Rear-Admiral Khanzadi said Iran and Russia will hold joint drills in the Caspian Sea as he underlines opposition to the military presence of any country from outside the region.

“Relief and rescue, tactical, and anti-piracy exercises between Iranian and Russian naval forces are being planned and will be carried out in the near future,” the commander added.

 In recent years, Iran’s Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

Iran’s Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.

Message end/