The Islamic Republic of Iran announced its armed forces will stage stage ’Velayat 93’ joint drills in the second half of the current Iranian year.

The Islamic Republic of Iran announced its armed forces will stage stage 'Velayat 93' joint drills in the second half of the current Iranian year.

Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on Tuesday: “"We will stage the Islamic Republic of Iran's highly massive joint exercises along the country's coasts in the Southeast to the 10 degree geographical latitude in the third or fourth quarter of this year,” (which started on March 21).

The ground, air and air defense forces will participate in Velayat 93 joint drills," he added, according to Fars news agency.

Sayyari stressed that the exercises will have a message of peace and friendship to the neighboring countries.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran's Navy is capable of establishing security in the regional waters from every dimension," the Iranian commander added.

His remarks came as different units of the Iranian Army are preparing for the National Army Day parades due to be held on April 18.

The Army Day ceremony will take place at the mausoleum of the Founder of the Islamic Republic, the Late Imam Khomeini, in Southern Tehran on Friday.