Iran, Oman launch search, rescue drills in Strait of Hormuz
The naval forces of the Islamic Republic and Oman launch joint search and rescue (SAR) drills in the eastern parts of the Strait of Hormuz and the northern areas of the Indian Ocean.
Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari told reporters on Monday that the Islamic Republic and Oman stage the joint drills every year, adding that the two countries take turns in hosting the event.
This year's drills are hosted by Oman, Sayyari said.
He added that three surface vessels and one helicopter are participating in the maneuver which aims to establish security in the region.
The commander of Iran's First Naval Zone, Rear Admiral Hossein Azad, said on Saturday that an Iranian naval flotilla, comprising Sabalan destroyer, Lavan logistic warship and helicopter carrier, SH3D helicopter and Falakhan missile-equipped warships, left Iran for Oman to take part in the joint drills with Oman.
He added that it was imperative to improve security in Iran’s southern waters and the Indian Ocean given their geographical significance in maritime economy and busy traffic of ships and oil tankers.
Iran and Oman have so far held several naval search and rescue drills aimed at enhancing readiness for providing relief services, conducting rescue operations, improving the level of regional cooperation and exchanging experience.
Sayyari also said the Iranian and Pakistani naval forces plan to hold a tactical maneuver on Tuesday.
The commander further added that an Iranian fleet has also been dispatched to Kazakhstan and would stage joint exercises with the country’s naval forces on Tuesday or Wednesday.
The commander of Iran's fleet of warships in the northern province of Gilan, Admiral Ahmadreza Baqeri, said on Saturday that the Iranian Navy dispatched a flotilla to the Kazakh port city of Aktau for the first time.
The ‘Peace and Friendship’ flotilla consists of Damavand destroyer and Peykan missile-launcher destroyer and plans to stay in Kazakhstan for three days, he added.
He emphasized that the fleet would convey Iran’s message of peace and friendship.
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