TEHRAN – Iran commemorated the second anniversary of the Iranian Navy’s 86th Navy Fleet (part of Artes)’s return from his historic cyclic mission at a ceremony attended by President Masudo Pezeschkian, senior military leaders and government officials.
Saturday’s event highlighted Tehran’s maritime outcomes and commitment to independence in defense.
President Pezeschkian welcomed the fleet’s 232 days of 65,000 km of voyage as “a monumental feat of endurance and national pride.”
To senior officials including Army commander Major Abdulrahim Musavi and Navy commander Saruram Irani, he praised the fleet’s role in promoting Iran’s strategic ambitions.
“The spirit of innovation and confidence that immerses our navy personnel is the gem of our nation. We take great pride in your achievements,” declared Pezeschkian.
He highlighted Iran’s domestically developed naval technology, including submarines and military hardware, saying “the construction of ships, the production of advanced weapons, and export of defense solutions (all without foreign dependence) are dignified milestones for all Iranians.”
The president initially denounced critics who dismissed the mission as “impossible,” claiming that “we tried to spread despair, but our 86th Navy Fleet has proven that reliance on domestic expertise guarantees success.”
He further described Iran’s presence in international waters as a “strategic victory,” adding, “we are now a pivotal change for our country’s future, not as consumers but as security providers.”
86th Navy Fleet: New Horizon Chart
The 86th Navy Fleet, featuring the Indigenous Dena Destroyer and Macran’s forward ship, embarking on Bandar Abbas in September 2022.
Dena, Iran’s fourth Jamaran class destroyer, boasts helicopter landing zones, advanced radar systems, and domestically developed prevention and air defense capabilities. A modified crude oil tanker, Macran serves as a floating base for helicopters, UAVs and special forces, enabling long-range missions and maritime security operations.
Over the course of eight months, the fleet traveled 65,000 km through the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, navigating strategic chokepoints such as the Strait of Malacca and Magellan.
Port calls in India, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa, Tanzania and Oman led to a revival of victory in May 2023, highlighting the growth of Iran’s maritime diplomacy and partnerships.
Military analysts praised the mission as a turning point, cementing the emergence of Iran as a “global maritime force” with reliable blue water deterrence. The success of the fleet highlights Tehran’s ability to independently project electricity by leveraging homemade technologies such as Dena’s combat system and Macran’s versatile platform for sustainable operations.
Since 2009, Iranian navy has evolved from anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden to maintain its continued presence in distant oceans, supported by innovations like Macran’s hybrid design, a symbol of Iran’s adaptive naval strategy.
Meanwhile, DENA’s integration of domestically produced weapons reflects advances in reducing dependence on foreign military hardware.
In his exclusive remarks to the Tehran Times, Iranian Navy spokesman Captain Mohammad Musavi highlighted the navy’s uninterrupted operational rhythm.
“Ayatollah, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, sang Ali Khamenei, who designated the Navy as a strategic force in 2009, so our fleet patrolled international waters every day,” he said.
Pezeschkian’s live satellite call with Dena and Fate’s crew
During the ceremony, President Pezeschkian held a live call with the crew of the submarines of Dena and Fatekulas, deployed in the North Indian Ocean.
The commander reported that preparations to “protect Iran’s interests and secure the world’s shipping lanes” were “sacred trust.”
“Your perseverance in harsh conditions embodies the spirit of our nation. Your service is the pride of Iran,” Pezeshkian told the crew, adding, “I wish you continued success in protecting our maritime sovereignty.”
In an additional comment to the Tehran Times, Captain Musavi pointed out that units contacted by Pezeschkian simultaneously monitored the area’s waters.
“The naval groups that the President communicated to maintain robust patrols in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, a lifeline of Iran’s maritime security,” he asserted.