Image source: topwar.ru
Iranian warships IRIS Makran and IRIS Dena have arrived at the largest port of the Republic of South Africa, Cape Town. This is evidenced by the satellite images of the Maxar company that appeared on the network, which are published by USNI News
It is alleged that an Iranian surface combat group of two ships arrived in South Africa after being unable to pass through the Panama Canal. The ships of the Iranian Navy have completed the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean as part of a circumnavigation of the world.
Recall that the Makran helicopter carrier is the largest warship in the history of the Iranian Navy. It is a platform designed to support the actions of the Iranian Navy in the far sea zone. The ship can accommodate six helicopters, speedboats, as well as marine units on board.
Image source: topwar.ru
According to USNI News, the current visit is the second major naval operation involving the Makran ship in the last two years. In 2021, the ship and frigate IRINS Sahand undertook a trip to the Baltic Sea after they rounded the southern tip of the African continent.
Before the campaign, the US administration imposed sanctions on Iranian ships as a measure against the alleged supply of unmanned aerial vehicles to Russia. However, Iran still conducted a cruise of its ships, demonstrating the expansion of its naval presence around the world.
Western experts believe that the visits of Iranian ships to foreign ports are part of Iran's diplomatic efforts to strengthen its ties with other states and generally demonstrate its active participation in world political life.
