Iranian Navy commander rejects claims of naval destruction, citing continued presence in Gulf of Om

TEHRAN-Iran’s Navy commander has rejected claims that the country’s naval forces have been destroyed, pointing to the continued deployment of Iranian forces in strategic waters and saying the absence of any enemy attempt to enter the area demonstrates Tehran’s maritime deterrence.

Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army’s Navy, made the remarks on Friday at a ceremony in Nowshahr, northern Iran.

Irani said Iranian naval forces have maintained a presence for more than 175 days in an area he referred to as the “Strait of Ohod of the Guardianship (Vilayat),” describing it as a strategic maritime line stretching from Pakistan’s border to Ras al-Hadd in Oman, at the entrance to the Indian Ocean through the Gulf of Oman.

He dismissed repeated claims that Iran’s naval capabilities had been destroyed, asking why, if those claims were accurate, Iran’s adversaries had not attempted to enter the area.

“If Iran’s naval forces have been destroyed, then why does the enemy not dare to move even a millimeter into this area?” Irani said.

He added that Iranian vessels continue to operate and call at ports in different locations, arguing that Iran’s naval strength should be judged by its operational presence rather than by claims made in the media.

“An enemy that comes with all its capabilities will be confronted by us with all our capabilities,” he said, adding that the loss of Iranian personnel had made the military’s responsibilities more demanding.

Turning to attacks on Iranian infrastructure, Irani said the country’s adversaries had underestimated the resilience of the Iranian people. He argued that attempts to damage bridges and other infrastructure had failed to achieve their intended effect because damaged facilities had been rebuilt and returned to service.

“The main infrastructure of Iran is its people,” Irani said, describing the country’s social cohesion, civilization and culture as fundamental sources of national strength.

He identified domestic unity as a key element of Iran’s continued resilience, warning that any weakening of social cohesion could create an opening for the country’s adversaries. Irani said the determination and solidarity of the Iranian people had prevented Iran’s opponents from achieving their objectives and called for continued national unity as a prerequisite for preserving the country’s security and strength.