The Islamic Republic of Iran is to strongly deal with terrorism at international waters, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on Friday, IRNA reported.
He added the Iranian navy is to support foreign ships and oil tankers at open seas as well.
Over 93 percent of the world cargos are shipped by vessels, oil tankers or cargo ships which indicates the importance of shipping lines in the world, he said.
Pirates steal about dlrs 12 billion each year which is a heavy blow to the global economy, he said.
The Iranian naval fleet in the past two years escorted about 1,000 cargo ships and oil tankers to protect them from raids of pirates, he said.
Iranian naval forces have embarked on about 30 heavy fights with pirates to create a safe path for the passage of Iranian and foreign cargo ships and oil tankers, he said.