Iranian naval flotilla docks at UAE’s port
An Iranian naval flotilla docked at the United Arab Emirates’ Sharjah’s Khalid port early on Tuesday for the first such a move in defense relations between the two Persian Gulf countries.
The naval fleet, comprising of vessels belonging to the Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy, was welcomed at the UAE’s port by Emirati vessels and military officials, as well as foreign diplomats and military attachés residing in the Persian Gulf country, and Iran’s Ambassador to the Arab country, Reza Ameri.
The naval visit comes amid growing relations between Iran and the UAE. Both countries have demonstrated serious will to strengthen their cooperation in all fields.
On Monday, Commander of the IRGC’s Navy Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri announced that four military ships from his force and the Iranian Army’s naval division will depart for the UAE for a friendly visit of the Arab nation’s naval force.
Tangsiri stated that the naval visit to the Arab country is the first of its kind.
The Iranian naval forces have increased their presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.
Iran also maintains strong presence in the Persian Gulf in order to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and oil tankers, especially in the strategic Strait of Hormuz through which about a fifth of the volume of the world’s total oil consumption passes on a daily basis.
Iran has repeatedly said that the security of the Persian Gulf can be provided by its littoral states and there is no need for the presence of foreigners in the Persian Gulf, especially the United States.
The UAE is Iran’s second-largest trading partner after China and expansion of security cooperation between the two countries is of great importance for them.