Iran deploys submarine in Persian Gulf

Tehran has deployed one of its Russian-made submarines in the Persian Gulf, days after the US and more than two dozen allies began naval exercises nearby, Iranian state television reported on Tuesday.

The Taregh-1 joined the Iranian fleet in the southern port of Bandar Abbas after it was overhauled earlier this year, according to the TV report. It is one of three Russian Kilo-class submarines that Iran obtained in the early 1990s.

In May Iran redeployed another Russian-made submarine after repairs.

The report also showed the launch of what was said to be the partially completed hull of a destroyer, the Sahand, which the TV said is expected to be ready in the near future.

Both launches came under the command of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters. He said Iran has no intention of invading other countries.

"The armed forces should be upgraded in a way that no one will be able to violate the reinforced fortress of Iran," Khamenei said during a visit to a naval base in the northern port of Noshahr.

Tehran has tried to build a self-sufficient military programme since 1992 and has several smaller Iranian-built submarines.

The announcement came two days after US-led naval exercises started in the Gulf. They are the largest such manoeuvres aimed at countering sea mines ever to take place in the region.

American officials insist the exercises, which include a symposium followed by at-sea manoeuvres launching later this week, are defensive in nature and not directed at any particular country.

The US-led drills are seen as a response to Iranian warnings earlier this year it could close the strategic oil route in the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for stricter western sanctions. Tehran has since stepped back from such threats.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, reacted to the manoeuvres by denouncing the presence of foreign powers in the region.

"The root of insecurity in the region is the military presence of western and foreign powers which easily trample the interests of countries of the region to secure their own interests and provoke instability and insecurity," he said.

The US and its allies suspect Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapon, a charge Iran denies. Iran says its nuclear activities are aimed at peaceful purposes such as power generation and cancer treatment.