Iran Enhances Naval Forces with Drones and Missiles

Iranian news agencies, including Tasnim, reported on Saturday that the Islamic Republic has equipped the naval forces of the Revolutionary Guards with drones and missiles that have a range of one thousand kilometers. This development comes as the United States has offered to provide guards for commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf. In response to the potential presence of American guards, Iranian Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi stated that regional countries are "capable of ensuring the security of the Persian Gulf by themselves." Shekarchi was quoted by Tasnim news agency saying, "What does the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Indian Ocean have to do with America? What is its concern in this area?" Last week, Washington stated that it might soon offer armed sailors and marines to guard commercial vessels in the region, following Iran's seizure and harassment of ships.