Iranian Navy Received Two New Subs

10.02.2012 Two light submarines built in Iran have joined national navy, reports governmental news agency IRNA.

This step is considered a part of Iran's efforts to modernize its defense capability as a result of deterioration in relations with the West over Iranian nuclear program. Tehran threatens to block the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic oil traffic route.

Iranian Navy Commander ADM Habibollah Sayari said Ghadir-class submarines were meeting demands of the national navy, reports The Wall Street Journal.

According to the journal, Iranian authorities declared in Nov 2011 that three Ghadir-class subs were commissioned into Iranian navy.

It is believed that Iran operates 12 submarines including three Russian-made ones, although exact number is not disclosed.