The Iranian Navy has, for the first time, deployed its submarines in the Red Sea as part of a naval mission in high seas and oceans.

The Fars News Agency reported that the submarines were deployed with the navy’s 14th fleet of warships, which was sent to the Gulf of Aden in May to protect ships and oil tankers from attacks by Somali pirates.

“Identifying combat vessels of the different world countries, collecting information about sea beds in international waters are among the main tasks of these submarines,” the source added.

The 14th fleet of warships, including IRI Bandar Abbas Warship and IRI Shahid Naqdi Destroyer, is tasked with patrolling and providing security for Iran’s shipping lines.

The deployment is also part of plans to expand the navy’s operational zone beyond the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.