Iran Leader applauds nation’s Navy for global voyage by its 86th flotilla

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has congratulated the "successful" return of the Iranian Navy’s 86th flotilla of warships to the territorial waters after a round-the-world voyage.

In a message on Saturday, Ayatollah Khamenei extended his felicitation to the country over the return of the brave naval forces from a grand maritime mission.

"I congratulate the courageous forces of the 86th flotilla of warships of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army on their great and successful voyage," the Leader stated.

"Beloved! Welcome home; Good luck," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

The Iranian Navy’s flotilla, comprised of domestically-manufactured Dena destroyer and Makran forward base ship, entered the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic of Iran on May 17, after sailing 63,000 kilometers of sea routes over eight months and a circumnavigation of the globe in 360 degrees.

The 86th naval fleet set sail on a mission around the world from Iran's southern port city of Bandar Abbas on September 20, 2022.

Iran Navy flotilla accomplished round-the-world mission despite sanctions

The chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces says the country’s 86th naval flotilla concluded its historic voyage on the high seas to mark an outstanding achievement despite Western-led sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri made the remarks on Sunday as he addressed the official homecoming ceremony of the flotilla in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas.

He said the flotilla, comprising domestically-manufactured Dena destroyer and Makran forward base ship, is a source of pride for the Iranian nation and a landmark accomplishment in the history of the country’s naval missions.

“Maritime prowess is among the most significant factors of our country’s military might,” Baqeri said.

“We do not lack anything to achieve such an ideal, and are gifted with homegrown industries [and expertise] for that purpose. Our courageous commanders and marines undertake naval missions valiantly and fearlessly.”

The top general said the unprecedented move of the Iranian Navy in carrying out this difficult mission ushers in a new era for the Iranian Armed Forces, adding that, “The 86th flotilla of the Navy fulfilled a historic mission… Even major countries in the world do not have the courage to undertake such a [formidable] task.

He noted that the Iranian Navy, reliant on the Dena destroyer and Makran forward base ship, went on the mission at the peak of sanctions.

“Our forces sailed through a precarious route. Through faith, devotion and patriotism, our forces pulled off such an achievement,” the top general said, stressing that dignity can only be preserved through the path of power.

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