Iran sending warships close to US coast - media

Iran is set to send its warships to the Gulf of Mexico in a bid to establish itself as a global military power, the republic's naval commander, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said.

Khanzadi also said he intends to add submarines to the Iranian fleet's ranks, in moves that could give the US cause to fear a new cold war with the Middle Eastern power.

"Speaking in his first press conference after taking the office, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said Iran's naval forces will soon go to the Atlantic Ocean, visit some South American countries, and wave the Iranian flag in the Gulf of Mexico," Tasnim reported.

Tasnim also reported that the navy's Separ missile-launching corvette will head to the Caspian Sea next week, where Khanzadi said Iran is hoping to spread peace. 

The navy will launch its own airport in the city of Jask, right on the Gulf of Oman and guarding the entrance to the much-contested Persian Gulf, which Iran traditionally sees as its possession.