NIT – Iran has reportedly dispatched warships to the Atlantic Ocean on a mission to show its might to the United States.
A senior Iranian naval commander made the announcement Saturday, saying the vessels will travel close to U.S. maritime borders.
Iran said the unprecedented move is in response to the U.S. beefing up its presence in the Persian Gulf.
Admiral Afshin Rezayee Haddad said the fleet began its voyage in January. The fleet consists of a destroyer and a helicopter-carrying supply ship. The Iranian ships are reported to be carrying 30 navy academy cadets for training along with their regular crews. They are on a three-month mission.
Reuters quoted a U.S. Defense official as saying “ships are free to operate in international waters”. There was no official response from the U.S. Defense Department.
According to Iranian news, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei told “hundreds of the Air Force commanders and rank-and-file” Saturday that “American officials claim that they are friend of Iranian nation but they are telling lie, at the same time they threaten them and expect the Islamic Republic of Iran to lessen its defense power which is very ridiculous”.