Iran warships aim to curb enemies of Islam: Commander

By Murat Karadag

ISTANBUL

Iran’s Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said warships dispatched to overseas ports aim to curb enemies of Islam and Shias.

In a speech carried by the ISNA news agency on Monday, Sayyari said Iranian forces aim to protect sea routes and prevent enmity against Iran.

On Sunday, Tehran dispatched two warships to Oman and international waters.

The move came amid a crisis in the Gulf after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt and Yemen cut off ties with Qatar for allegedly supporting terrorism.

Qatar, for its part, denied the accusations, calling the move "unjustified".