Azerbaijan, Baku, July 12/ Trend D.Khatinoglu/
The commander of the Iranian Navy, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said that Iran should reinforce its military presence in the Caspian Sea.
During an live interview with Iran's State TV IRIB, he called the Caspian Sea "the sea of peace and friendship", but Iran should strengthen its military forces in the Caspian to increase security and defend the country's interests.
Sayyari said that Iran is not looking to militarize the sea or compete with others, however the country should be ready to prevent or neutralize probable risks, such as terrorism, smuggling, etc.
He emphasized the necessity of cooperation amongst the Caspian littoral states in providing security, so others (the West) do not get involved.
The Jamaran 2 destroyer produced by the Iranian navy was commissioned in the Caspian Sea on March 17. Iran also launched several submarines in the Caspian.
Iran's Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said in March that Iran planned to build and launch new submarines and drones in the Caspian, the Fars News Agency reported.
He announced Iran's protest against the presence of foreign troops in the Sea, saying Iran is ready to form common military forces with Caspian Sea littoral states to assure regional security.