Iran’s Authority Casts a Protective Shadow over Regional Waters + Video

“During the 12-day imposed war, we did not reveal all our winning cards, such as our naval capacities, and the circumstances did not permit it. The public perception of naval warfare is still shaped by the fast boats of the 1980s, but today Iran’s Navy is equipped with sea-to-sea, shore-to-sea missiles, and even ballistic missiles capable of targeting enemy warships in motion,” said former Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari.

These remarks come at a time when the Islamic Republic of Iran, due to its unique geopolitical position in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, has always been on the frontline against maritime threats posed by adversaries. The presence of foreign forces in Iran’s surrounding waters has further emphasized the importance of developing and strengthening the country’s maritime deterrence and defense capabilities.

Given that a significant portion of Iran’s oil exports and commercial exchanges pass through these strategic waterways, enhancing the ability to counter potential maritime threats is not merely a military endeavor, but a strategic necessity to protect sovereignty, security, and national interests.

Major General Mousavi: Army and IRGC Ready for Potential Future Conflicts

In recent weeks, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, during a visit to the offensive and defensive capacities of the Navy and IRGC naval forces, emphasized that these forces are fully prepared to carry out assigned missions and respond to potential future engagements.

Major General Abdollahi: Prepared to Confront Any Threat

Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Major General Ali Abdollahi, stated that the combat readiness of the IRGC Navy and the deployed equipment on Iranian islands has improved, and Iran is fully prepared to confront any threat to safeguard its maritime and territorial borders.

Major General Pakpour: Any Enemy Action at Sea Will Be Met with Decisive Response

Similarly, Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, Major General Mohammad Pakpour, during a visit to operational units on the Persian Gulf islands, declared: “Should the enemy take any action at sea or near the islands, the IRGC Navy will respond with full preparedness.”

Iran’s Naval Power: From Ocean-Going Warships to Cruise Missiles

Over the past four decades, Iran has played a prominent role in maintaining security and stability in the Persian Gulf. From the years of the imposed war to countering modern maritime threats, the Navy of both the Army and the IRGC has consistently been at the forefront of national defense.

Successful operations such as “Pearl” and the seizure of oil tankers have demonstrated Iran’s deterrence power and defensive authority, sending a clear message to the world about the country’s determination to protect its maritime borders.

Airbases in Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, and Chabahar, with high operational capability and precise coordination, serve as key pillars supporting Iran’s naval forces. These bases, under the guidance of Shiraz Airbase, provide reliable and extensive coverage for the naval fleet, ensuring security and combat readiness in regional waters.

The presence of these bases reflects Iran’s simultaneous aerial and maritime capability to confront any threat and protect vital sea lanes. Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran, equipped with advanced assets such as indigenous submarines (Ghadir and Fateh), combat drones (Ababil, Mohajer, Sanjar, etc.), cruise missiles (Abu Mahdi, Noor, Nasr, Nasir, Qader, Persian Gulf, etc.), and ocean-going warships (Dena, Damavand), has become a major player in regional maritime security.

Iran’s Naval Power Ready to Counter Any Threat

Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, Chief of Staff and Coordinating Deputy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, speaking to Fars News Agency about Iran’s ability to counter potential maritime threats, stated: “We are fully prepared to respond to any threat. Precise planning and necessary forecasts have been made for threats on land, in the air, and at sea, and, if required, decisive and timely action will be taken.”

He added: “In the maritime domain, all necessary plans and exercises have been carried out, full readiness exists, and all anticipated measures are being implemented.”

Relying on domestic capabilities, synergy among the armed forces, and smart strategic planning, Iran has secured the Persian Gulf and become an effective actor in regional and extra-regional maritime stability. Iran’s clear message is that the security of the Persian Gulf should be ensured by regional countries themselves, without foreign intervention.