"Islamic Republic pursues a defensive deterrent policy in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman," stressed senior Iranian commander.

"The Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman regions have a special position in the defense-security policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, the commander of Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters said.

The commander stressed the importance of scrutinizing and managing all moves and developments in Iran's southern waters, saying it was necessary to adopt measures in the face of "unforeseen events."

“While the Islamic Republic of Iran is monitoring all moves and is ready for any defensive or offensive reaction, it seeks to manage incidents and prevent any escalation of tension or conflict in the region,” Rashid added.

He said Iran’s Persian Gulf policy is based on actively interacting and cooperating with neighboring countries, defending regional security and stability and firmly confronting any meddlesome measure by extra-regional powers.

The IRGC commander emphasized that the Iranian armed forces would powerfully defend the country's interests in the region and would firmly counter any provocative and destabilizing act in the region.

"No country must test Iran's strategic power or try its patience in defending its interests and establishing stability in the region and make a miscalculation," he pointed out.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said in October that Iran’s defense might was not up for negotiation, stressing the country’s resolve to strengthen its defense capabilities despite enemy attempts to weaken the nation.