Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has achieved a level of power that enables it to deliver a decisive and forceful response to any threat, underscored the force’s commander, Admiral Alireza Tangsiri.

The IRGC Navy is no longer reliant on foreign powers and is advancing toward self-sufficiency, Tangsiri affirmed.

The commander pointed out that "in the past, we had to cooperate with foreigners to confront the enemy, but today, we provide all our defense needs relying on domestic power."

"Relying on the knowledge-based capacities and the power of domestic experts, the IRGC Navy has reached a stage of power today that will give a decisive and resounding response to any threat," Tangsiri underlined.

Addressing territorial sovereignty, he said that Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, Abu Musa, and other Iranian islands in the Gulf have always belonged to Iran and will remain Iranian for as long as the country exists.

Strategically located near the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supply flows, the islands in question have been under Iranian control since 1971, following the end of British colonial rule in the region.

However, the UAE has long asserted its sovereignty over the islands, calling Iran’s presence an occupation.

New drone carrier Shahid Bagheri joins IRGC fleet in Gulf

In early February, Iran's new domestically developed drone carrier, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, officially joined the IRGC's naval fleet in the Gulf.

Named after Bahman Bagheri, an IRGC commander who was killed during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, the vessel was introduced at a ceremony in Bandar Abbas.

The 180-meter-long carrier can be a mobile platform for drone and helicopter operations, it can house multiple squadrons of unmanned aircraft. According to reports, it can also launch and retrieve light combat vessels and various types of drones, in addition to carrying combat and support helicopters.

Tangsiri explained that it took two years to convert a commercial ship into a fully operational drone carrier. With a range of 22,000 nautical miles, the vessel can operate in distant waters for a year without refueling.

The Shahid Bagheri is equipped with air defense systems, including short- and medium-range missiles, as well as intelligence equipment and a flight control tower. It also can deploy guided subsurface vessels and long-range cruise missiles. 

The ship includes specialized facilities, such as a hospital and sports amenities.

Tangsiri emphasized that the addition of the Shahid Bagheri to the IRGC Navy's fleet is a significant step in enhancing Iran's defense and deterrence capabilities in distant waters, ensuring the security of national interests.

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