Perilous
Times
Report: Iran adds 2 submarines to naval fleet
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's official news agency reported Thursday that
the navy has added two more domestically built light submarines to
its fleet.
The move is seen as part of Iran's effort to upgrade its defense
capabilities amid escalating tension with the West over its
nuclear program. Tehran has threatened to close the strategic
Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route, over new U.S.
sanctions targeting its critical oil industry.
The report by IRNA quoted Iran's navy chief Adm. Habibollah
Sayyari as saying the Ghadir class submarines meet the needs of
navy.
In November, Iran said it added three more Ghadir class submarines
to its naval fleet. This class of submarine can fire missiles and
torpedoes and operate in the Gulf's shallow waters.
Iran is believed to have about 12 light and three Russian-made
submarines in its fleet, but it does not disclose the total
numbers.