Iranian and Omani Navy forces started a joint rescue and relief operations in the southern Iranian waters on Wednesday.

Iranian and Omani Navy forces started a joint rescue and relief operations in the southern Iranian waters on Wednesday.

Commander of Iran's First Naval Zone Admiral Amir Hussein Azad said that the two-day maritime drill kicked off in east of the Strait of Hormuz and will continue in the Persian Gulf waters.

The joint drill aims to guarantee security of all ships which pass through the region, he added.

He said all Iran’s maneuvers are aimed at conveying a message of peace and friendship to regional countries and helping the development of security in the region.

He noted that Iran adopts measures to strongly restore security to the region, particularly to the neighboring countries.

Iran and Oman have so far held several naval relief and rescue drills aimed at enhancing readiness for providing relief services, conducting rescue operations, improving the level of regional cooperation and exchanging experience.

Iran’s Navy has increased its presence in high seas to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

In line with international efforts against piracy, the Iranian Navy has also been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 in order to safeguard merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.

Iran’s Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.