WANA (Feb 18) – The commander of the Iranian Army Navy stated that the presence of extra-regional military fleets in the waters of West Asia is “unjustified,” warning that any foreign show of force would be met with a “more decisive” response from Iran.

 

According to Shahram Irani, commander of the Strategic Navy of the Iranian Army, who traveled to India to attend the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), the “Milan 2026” naval exercise, and the International Fleet Review (IFR), the Islamic Republic has consistently faced “threats, propaganda campaigns, and the presence of extra-regional fleets in West Asia” over the past 47 years, he told reporters.

 

Referring to the continued presence of major powers’ naval forces in the region, he emphasized: “The presence of extra-regional fleets in West Asia is unjustified.” Admiral Irani added that if these fleets believe they have entered the region relying on military power, “they should know that the Iranian people will confront them with greater strength.”

 

The navy commander also stressed that “the people’s faith and missiles” constitute the two main components of the Islamic Republic’s deterrence against its adversaries — a phrase that reflects the linkage between ideological discourse and hard power in Iran’s defense doctrine.