Iran’s Navy has the full capability of maintaining security in the Caspian Sea and keeping vessels from countries other than neighboring states out of the region, says a senior commander.

Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, the commander of Iran’s Navy, said Sunday that the Islamic Republic has resources and interests in the Caspian Sea and must, therefore, maintain its power in the land-locked body of water.

The Caspian Sea is also important for other littoral countries, Sayyari stated.

The Iranian commander emphasized that Iran’s naval forces will not allow any country other than those littoral states to be present in the Caspian Sea region.

The Iranian commander said the Caspian Sea should be free of conflicts, insecurity, drug trafficking and smuggling of goods in order to remain the “sea of peace and friendship.”

Sayyari also referred to an Iranian Navy fleet in the southern Russian port city of Astrakhan.

The Iranian naval fleet, comprised of the domestically-built Damavand destroyer and two missile-armed vessels, dubbed Peykan and Joshan, anchored in Astrakhan on October 22 after three days of sailing in a bid to boost friendly maritime ties between the two countries.

Iran has repeatedly assured other nations, especially its neighbors, that its military might poses no threat to other countries, insisting that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.