Iranian Navy vessels to patrol Red Sea

The Islamic Republic of Iran has deployed a submarine and a warship to the Red Sea for patrol and anti-piracy missions, according to navy commander Admiral Habibollah Sayyari.

"This flotilla, which is made up of a submarine and a warship will patrol the high seas and display the capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran," state television quoted Sayyari as saying.

A military spokeswoman told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the navy had deployed two missile boats to the Red Sea as part of a routine exercise.

In July 2011, Iran said it would increase its military presence in international waters by dispatching submarines to the Atlantic.