Several Iranian warships are steaming through the Atlantic — and are expected to travel close to US maritime borders for the first time, an official said Saturday.
Adm. Afshin Rezayee Haddad, commander of Iran’s North Navy Fleet, said the small contingent has entered the Atlantic via South Africa, media affiliated with the Islamic republic’s government reported.
“Iran’s military fleet is approaching the United States’ maritime borders — and this move has a message,” the admiral told the FARS news agency.
The mission began in January, and the fleet consists of a destroyer and a copter-carrying supply ship. Some 30 academy cadets are also aboard for training.
Iran’s move comes as the US has beefed up its naval presence in the Persian Gulf. America’s Fifth Fleet consists of more than 20 ships and 16,000 sailors.
Iran’s deployment to the Atlantic is estimated at fewer than 700 personnel.