Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi says the presence of Iranian warships in international waters shows the naval might of the Islamic Republic.

According to Press TV, Vahidi said on Sunday, Feb 18 night that such overseas presence was within the country's rights.

He noted that the Navy’s missions abroad were based on policies aimed at enhancing Iran's naval capabilities and readiness.

On Saturday, Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said that the country’s 18th fleet had sailed through Egypt’s Suez Canal into the Mediterranean.

Sayyari said that this was the second time that an Iranian naval fleet had passed through the waterway since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

He noted that the mission showed that the sanctions the enemies imposed on the country had not been able to adversely affect Iran’s scientific progress and military capabilities.