Iran Will Not Stop Naval Development: Minister

Tehran, Feb 21, IRNA – Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said on Tuesday that Iran will not halt its naval development. Vahidi made the remark while talking to IRNA about the presence of Iran’s naval flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea. In reaction to the Zionist officials’ claims over this presence, the defense minister said the naval forces of Iran’s army have boosted their naval power despite sanctions against the country during the past three decades. Pointing to the presence of naval vessels in the Mediterranean Sea for a second time, Vahidi said it indicates Iran is seriously pursuing its plans to retain its presence in the international waters. Thus it is only natural that the Zionist regime and certain other countries become afraid of Iran's strength, Vahidi noted. Passing two times through the Suez Canal after more than 30 years showed the ineffectiveness of the sanctions on Iran, noted Vahidi./end