An Iranian legislator has praised the high capabilities of the Iranian naval forces, saying that the Islamic Republic's Navy plans to enhance its presence in the international waters, Press TV reports.
"The Iranian Armed Forces have made tactical and technological advances in recent years, and Iran's Navy is now a transregional maritime power," member of Iran Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Mohammad-Saleh Jokar said on Sunday.
On March 21, the 24th fleet of Iran Navy docked at the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka after patrolling Southeast Asia's Strait of Malacca and successfully conducting its mission in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
Commander of the 24th fleet of Iran Navy Capitan Seyyed Omid Golestaneh said the fleet, comprising Sabalan destroyer and Kharg helicopter carrier, has conveyed the message of peace and friendship to regional countries, Eastern and Southeastern Asian states in particular.
The fleet docked at China's Zhangjiagang port on March 4 after sailing 13,000 kilometers in 40 days.
In recent years, Iran Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for Iranian merchant vessels and tankers.
In addition, in line with the international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.