Tel Aviv: Israeli Minister of Defence revealed that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) is converting commercial vessels to military ships armed with UAVs and missile systems.

“Iran aims to establish terror bases in the maritime space of the Middle East region.” In a public speech Defence Minister Gallant said that the IRGC naval forces are attempting to infiltrate, by constructing “floating terror bases.” In his discussion, the minister also addressed the measures required to contend with Iran’s regional aggression and the threat posed by the Iranian nuclear program.

Minister Gallant detailed the Iranian strategy of converting trading vessels into military vessels armed with offensive equipment such as UAVs and missile systems, as well as with advanced means for intelligence gathering.  He also addressed their intention to station the vessels at high distances from Iran, for extended periods of time.

“Iran is conducting itself like a collection of criminal organizations and not a modern state. The floating terror bases are an extension of Iran’s ongoing maritime terrorism, as seen in its actions in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea. Iran aims to expand its reach to the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and even the shores of the Mediterranean. This is a structured plan designed to threaten trade and flight routes – both military and civilian – and to create a permanent threat in the maritime arena,” he remarked.

The minister added that the way to confront Iranian terrorism in the air, at sea, and on land is through international cooperation and the creation of coalitions.