WANA (Nov 29) – The commander of Iran’s Navy says the newly unveiled “Kurdistan” floating base is a fully strategic, high-capacity offshore platform designed to operate deep in the oceans, with its primary mission focused on combat support and escort operations.

 

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony for the floating base Kurdistan and the reintegration of the refurbished destroyer Sahand into the Navy’s First Naval District, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, highlighted the updated capabilities of the overhauled Sahand.

 

He described the vessel as a modern, multi-mission warship equipped for long-range deployments and ocean-depth operations. Its main tasks will include ship-escort missions and participation in joint and combined naval exercises as part of Iran’s maritime and defense diplomacy.

 

Admiral Irani then outlined the capabilities of the Kurdistan floating base, emphasizing its role in broad-spectrum combat support. The platform, he said, can meet a wide range of operational needs, including logistical support, medical services, communications, helicopter operations, underwater and diving missions, rapid emergency response, and the delivery of food, fuel, and medicine.

 

He noted that lessons learned from Naval Flotilla 86 were incorporated into the design and outfitting of Kurdistan, aligning with Iran’s broader strategy of maritime expansion. The floating base, he added, is intended to function as a strategic deep-ocean platform with extensive capacity to support naval combat units and escort missions, while also being able to provide services to fishing and commercial fleets.

 

Admiral Irani reiterated Iran’s policy of “peace and friendship,” stating that the Navy is prepared to offer assistance to vessels belonging to friendly and neighboring countries in line with this approach.

 

He also announced that Iran’s second floating base will be named “Khuzestan.” Explaining the decision to name these bases after Iranian provinces, he said the size, capability, and cultural role of the platforms make them suitable for carrying provincial names as a symbol of national solidarity.

Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy

Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy. Social media/ WANA News Agency