Iran, Oman to perform naval drills

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Dec 20, IRNA -- Naval rescue drills between Iran and Oman are to be held in the east of Strait of Hormuz during the current week, said Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari on Sunday.

Iranian Navy commanders and a senior military delegation from the Sultanate of Oman discussed the issue on Sunday.

A senior military Omani delegation consisting of 12 senior officers are in Tehran to review ways of improving naval interactions between the two countries.

Sayyaris said the two sides have widely discussed bilateral cooperation such as exchange of students and professors, scientific articles, technical know how, repairs, maintenance, reconstruction, information between experts, and flotillas' visits and training courses.

He added that the drills aim at providing safety for all countries' trade vessels and oil tankers passing through this crucial and strategic waterway.

He said that the upcoming drill will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday in the region.

During the past years, 37 flotillas have been sent to northern Indian Ocean, especially Gulf of Aden to fight against piracy and they have regularly visited Ports of Muscat and Salalah; 37th flotilla of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy consisting of Sabalan Destroyer and Tunb Logistic Warship are scheduled to visit Port of Salalah on Monday, said the Navy Commander.

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