Article Posted on : - Sep 23, 2012

TEHRAN (AP): Iran's Navy chief has said his country was planning to expand its presence in International waters, as part of efforts to boost its military and extend its reach all the way to Antarctica.

Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said in comments reported by state Press TV Saturday that 'the move will allow the navy to raise the Iranian flag anywhere from the North to South Poles.'

Sayyari had said earlier this year that Iran wanted to put warships in international waters off the US coast "within the next few years."

Iran's efforts have been interpreted as a response to America's beefed-up naval deployment near Iran's shores in the Persian Gulf.