A flotilla of Iranian warships will set sail for the Indian Ocean next month in a bid to ensure security for the country's cargo ships in the high seas.

Iran's 47th naval fleet is scheduled to depart for the Indian Ocean in early June, Deputy Navy Commander for Coordination Rear Admiral Peyman Jafa’ari Tehrani said on Saturday.

“The 46th flotilla, which was dispatched [to the high seas] some time ago, is now halfway through its mission and will return to Iran within the next days,” he added.

The commander said that Iranian warships have a mission of providing security for the country's oil tankers and trade cargo ships sailing in the high seas, including in the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb and the Indian Ocean.

Iran's 46th naval fleet, comprised of Sabalan destroyer and Lavan logistic warship, left the country’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas for the Gulf of Aden on April 17 through a ceremony attended by Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari.

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In recent years, Iran’s Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

In line with international efforts against piracy, the Iranian Navy has been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008, safeguarding merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.

Iran’s Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.