TEHRAN: Iranian state media has officially confirmed the deployment of the IRIS Alborz, a warship from the 94th Naval Fleet of the Iranian army, to the Red Sea, as geopolitical tensions continue to rise in the region.
The warship crossed the Bab al-Mandeb Strait near Yemen to reach its destination, marking a strategic move by Iran in the midst of an increasingly militarized atmosphere.
The IRIS Alborz, originally constructed over half a century ago prior to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, underwent a comprehensive overhaul four years ago, during which new combat systems were installed. This refurbishment allowed the warship to rejoin the naval force of the Iranian army, distinct from the naval force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In conjunction with the warship deployment, Iranian state media reported a meeting between Iran’s security chief, Ali Akbar Ahmadian, and top Houthi negotiator Mohammad Abdulsalam. Iranian media quoted Ahmadian expressing Tehran’s appreciation for the Houthi support of Palestinians and their resistance against Israel.
Iran’s Naval Fleet Operations in Red Sea
Tasnim news agency reported that Iran’s naval fleet has been operating in the area “to secure shipping lanes, repel pirates, among other purposes since 2009”.
The United States in early December set up a multinational naval task force for the Red Sea following a flurry of missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthis on merchant vessels which led shipping companies to suspend passages through the area.
