Iranian fleet on Atlantic tour with message of peace, friendship

An Iranian naval fleet is heading to the Atlantic Ocean for the first time with the message of peace and friendship, Iran's navy commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on Monday.

The 44th flotilla of the Iranian Navy, consisting of the Alvand destroyer and the Bushehr logistic vessel, embarked on a high seas voyage on Oct. 5 to safeguard maritime routes used by the country's vessels and oil tankers against pirates, said Sayyari.

The flotilla first crossed the Gulf of Aden and then docked at Tanzanian port city of Dar es Salaam on Oct. 29 and stayed there for three days, he said.

The fleet is currently close to Mozambique's maritime border and plans to call at a South African port.

"The dispatched fleet of the Iranian Navy will continue to sail toward the Atlantic Ocean after South Africa if the conditions are suitable," the commander said, adding that the presence of the 44th flotilla on the high seas displays the might and strength of the country's navy.

He also pointed out that the sea voyage can strengthen Iran's ties with regional countries, prevent Iranophobia and convey its message of peace and friendship.

The 44th flotilla has been used to protect the Iranian vessels from pirate attacks in past years.