MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Iran needs to boost its deterrent power by setting up overseas naval bases, including in Syria and Yemen, Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Hossein Baqeri said on Saturday.
"One day, we may need naval bases on the coasts of Yemen and Syria, and we need the necessary infrastructure for it under the international maritime law," Baqeri said in an address to a gathering of senior Navy commanders in Tehran, as quoted by Tasnim News Agency.
Citing Central Asian countries' demand to have access to international waters through Iran, Baqeri added that Iran might build more harbors on its own coast, thus, breaking Russia's monopoly on Central Asia's connection to the world.
Iran has been increasing its naval presence in the recent years to secure naval routes and protect merchant vessels and oil tankers from pirates. In addition, the country is providing support for Yemen and Syria, both engulfed in civil war.
