Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has hailed the round-the-globe mission by the Iranian Navy’s 86th flotilla of warships.

Ayatollah Khamenei was on Sunday addressing the commanders and crew as well as the families of the Iranian Navy’s 86th flotilla, which accomplished its round-the-world voyage and entered the Iranian territorial waters in May.

The Leader said the Navy’s presence in remote waters such as the Pacific and Atlantic oceans contribute to national security.

“The United States and other superpowers monopolize general issues pertaining to mankind. If they could, those powers would even claim the seas in their name so that others would not have access to the natural resource,” Ayatollah Khamenei stated.

“However, by your presence and your vigilance in countering their hostile behavior in order to thwart your voyage, you proved that the high seas belong to all.”

The Leader pointed to the obstacles created by the US in maritime transportation, saying it made no sense that some claim they would not allow certain ships to pass through certain straits.

“The sea and the air must be free for all nations and security of shipping and maritime transport must be ensured for all,” the Leader stated.

Ayatollah Khamenei censured the US for targeting oil tankers and helping smugglers in the region and beyond, saying such measures are a serious breach of international humanitarian norms.

(This is a developing story.)