Iran establishes new naval base

Iran has just inaugurated a new naval base in the Strait of Hormuz to strengthen its presence in the Persian Gulf.

The gulf is also claimed by Iran's neighbor the United Arab Emirates.

Iran builds new naval base to guard the Strait of Hormuz - Photo: AFP

The Fars news agency reported on November 4 that the base is the 5th naval base of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Persian Gulf. The base is located near Bandar Lengeh - a port city in Hormozgan province, Iran and 1,100km south of the capital Tehran. Currently, missiles and marine units have been deployed here.

Located north of the Iranian-controlled islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb, the base guards the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz - a strategic sea route through which one-fifth of the world's oil supply is transported.

Iran has previously threatened to close the strait in response to tough sanctions imposed by the West, aimed at preventing the Islamic republic from continuing its controversial nuclear program.

According to Tuoi Tre - DT