“If the enemy believes that by martyring a number of the children of the Iranian nation and Navy personnel, this force will stop moving forward, it is seriously mistaken,” Rear Admiral Irani said in comments in Iran’s northern city of Rasht.

He stressed that the Navy would continue its mission with greater strength and determination, saying the blood of the martyrs would further strengthen the force’s resolve.

“The enemy has made a miscalculation in recognizing the spirit of the Iranian people and the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said.

“Today, the Navy stands alive, dynamic and powerful, and its personnel are carrying out their missions with the same spirit as the martyrs,” the commander said, adding that they would spare no effort to defend Iran and ensure and safeguard the security of the Iranian people.