Iranian warships depart for Atlantic Ocean to protect ships, tankers

Iranian warships headed for the Atlantic Ocean Tuesday to protect the country's cargo ships and oil tankers, navy officials said. "Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran is among the most important countries that takes responsibility for the security of the vessels which pass through the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb strait," Iranian naval commander Rear Adm. Habibollah Sayyari said. The effort marks the first time Iran has dispatched warships to the Atlantic Ocean, the Times of Israel reported. The fleet includes a Kharg logistic warship, which is capable of carrying helicopters, and a Sabalan destroyer. The fleet will travel to the Atlantic Ocean in the next three months, the Tasnim news agency reported. Iran's naval forces have increased their presence in international waters in recent years, and has been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 when Somali pirates hijacked an Iranian cargo ship.