Iran sends warning to foreigners ahead of holding naval drill

"When we announced the drill, foreign and trans-regional fleets should stay away from the drills area,” the commander of Iran's navy, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said,” the country’s Fars news agency reported Dec. 6.

Sayyari made the remarks while referring to the Islamic Republic’s upcoming naval drill which is scheduled to be held late December.

The drill dubbed "Veleyat 93” will be held in the 10 degree geographical latitude in the northern part of the Indian Ocean.

Sayyari said that Iran will test its new missiles during the "widespread” drill.

Earlier Sayyari said that the military drills of the Islamic Republic naval forces will not be limited to the country’s territorial waters.

"We are present in high seas to defend interests of our country,” the commander added.

In recent years, Iran's navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect maritime routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

In line with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian navy has also been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.

The Iranian navy managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.