Iran to build new naval base on Gulf of Oman

Iran will build a new naval base at Pasabandar on the Gulf of Oman near theP Pakistani border, Iranian Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayari said, the Center for Strategic Conjuncture reports.

According to the admiral, the base is part of the strategy to enforce the Markan Coast from Port Bandar Abbas to Pasabandar.

The Pakistani Cabinet has recently given control over Port Gvadar to Chinese Overseas Port Holdings. The port is located 250 miles away from the Hormuz Strait, leading to the Gulf.

The main oil route of China runs from the Gulf, through the Indian Ocean, the Strait of Malacca and to the South China Sea. Chinese authorities deny plans to use the port for military purposes.