Tehran's Russian-provided submarines have caused concern in the United States, which considers them a threat to the strategic balance in the volatile Persian Gulf region.

By DPA 30.08.11

Iran plans to once again dispatch a submarine and a warship, to the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, the country's navy commander said Tuesday.
Admiral Habibollah Sayari said the dispatch of the 15th fleet is for patrolling in high seas and displaying Iran's navy capabilities of the Islamic Republic, the news network Press TV reported.

Without giving further details on the exact date, Sayari added that the dispatch would also be a symbolic move to convey the message of peace and friendship to all countries.
In June, Iranian submarines and war ships were dispatched to the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea to collect data and identify other countries' warships.
Iran in 2008 started the production of new submarines and delivered four new types to the navy in August 2010.
Russia provided Iran in 1996 with diesel-electric submarines which at that time made it the only state in the Persian Gulf with submarines.

The submarines have caused concern in the United States, which considers them a threat to the strategic balance in the volatile Persian Gulf region.
Iran claims to have become self-sufficient in manufacturing all types of military vessels but insists it would use its military strength only for safeguarding peace and security in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.



http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/iran-to-dispatch-submarine-warship-to-red-sea-again-1.381588