Iran is upgrading its naval fleet with a new generation of domestically-built submarines in an attempt to defend its territorial waters, local satellite channel Press TV reported.
Chief Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari was quoted as saying that Iran's new semi-heavy Qaaem submarine is equipped with torpedoes and naval mines.
The smart long-range Qaaem submarine is also capable of carrying out both "defensive and offensive operations," he said, adding that Iran is the only regional country capable of developing such sophisticated technology.
The Islamic Republic is fully prepared to defend its territorial waters with its self-sufficient military, he stressed.
Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar recently inaugurated the production line of the new submarine.
Sayyari's announcement came amid reports that an armada of U.S. and European warships will be deployed in the Gulf in an unprecedented build-up.
The United States and its allies have accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program. Iran denies the charges and insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
The Bush administration said it focused on diplomacy to try to resolve Iran's nuclear issue, but insisted it will take "no option off the table."
Some observers believe that it is possible that the United States and Israel would attack Iranian targets for Tehran's suspicious nuclear program.
Source: Xinhua
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