Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi says the presence of Iranian warships in international waters shows the naval might of the Islamic Republic, Press TV reported.
Vahidi said on Sunday night that such overseas presence was within the country's rights.
He noted that the Navy's missions abroad were based on policies aimed at enhancing Iran's naval capabilities and readiness.
On Saturday, Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said that the country's 18th fleet had sailed through Egypt's Suez Canal into the Mediterranean.
Sayyari said that this was the second time that an Iranian naval fleet had passed through the waterway since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
He noted that the mission showed that the sanctions the enemies imposed on the country had not been able to adversely affect Iran's scientific progress and military capabilities.
Iran's Navy has increased its presence in the international waters since last year, deploying vessels in the Indian Ocean and sending two ships via the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean for the first time in February 2011.
In addition, in line with the international efforts to combat piracy, the Navy has been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.
The Islamic Republic has repeatedly asserted that its overseas naval presence is meant to convey a message of peace and friendship to the regional countries.
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