Why it matters:
The announcement reinforces Iran’s defensive self-sufficiency and sends a strong message to foreign forces operating near its maritime borders.
The big picture:
The missile boat’s unveiling coincides with Persian Gulf National Day, marking the 1622 expulsion of Portuguese forces from the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC timed the announcement to highlight both Iran’s historical sovereignty and its modern maritime capabilities amid increasing scrutiny of foreign naval presence in the region.
What he’s saying:
Rear Admiral Tangsiri emphasized several key themes in his remarks:
“We have built a missile boat with a speed of 116 knots… it has passed all technical and specialized tests.”
“Before the [1979] Revolution, we couldn’t even build a small fishing boat. Now we’ve built the Shahid Soleimani vessel with advanced technology, capable of 5,000 nautical miles of nonstop ocean navigation.”
“We are seeking peace and friendship in the region, but foreign military presence is a source of insecurity.”
“The Persian Gulf belongs to the region. Those from thousands of miles away are not here for security.”
Key points:
- The IRGC’s 116-knot missile boat is the fastest of its kind in Iran’s fleet.
- Tangsiri said the IRGC manufactures its own vessels, drones, and submersibles without foreign support.
- The statement stressed Iran’s ability to ensure maritime security without outside interference.
- The Persian Gulf is the conduit for 40% of the region’s gas and 62% of its oil exports.
- Tangsiri warned that foreign powers use the region for “selling weapons” and disrupting local peace.
Go deeper:
Tehran has long opposed the presence of U.S. and NATO forces in the region, and with the IRGC expanding its domestic naval capabilities, its messaging is around autonomy, deterrence, and resistance to illegitimate foreign presence.
Mojtaba Darabi
