TEHRAN: Iran’s Navy chief vowed yesterday to send a ‘fleet of warships’ to ports along the Atlantic Ocean – as the deadly vessels returned from taking part in joint drills with the Russian Navy, it is reported.
Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari made the promise while speaking at a ceremony marking the return to port of the Iranian warships after the drills, according to Fars news agency.
He reportedly declared: ‘Our warships will soon berth at ports in the Atlantic Ocean.’
He also said the vessels had been in the Caspian Sea and at international ports including the Russian port of Astrakhan, showing ‘the Iranian Navy’s prowess’, The Times of Israel reports.
Sayyari had made a similar vow to send warships into the Atlantic Ocean early last year following the U.S. Navy’s presence in the Gulf – but went back on the plans ‘due to a change in schedule’.
His new promise reflects ongoing tense relations between the U.S. and Iran – even though the two countries reached a landmark nuclear deal in July that will curb the latter’s nuclear program.
As part of the agreement, America agreed to lift sanctions.
Aside from the nuclear deal – which was historically signed in Vienna on July 14 – Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei has repeatedly rejected the notion of making other negotiations with the U.S.
