Special to WorldTribune.com

NICOSIA — Iranian officials said the Iranian Navy has sent fleets of warships to the United States.

The officials said the Iranian warships would arrive near U.S. territorial waters over the next few weeks.

“Iran’s military fleet is approaching the United States’ maritime borders,” Iranian Navy northern fleet commander Adm. Afshin Hadad said.

“This move has a message.”

In a statement on Feb. 8, Hadad did not say how many warships were approaching the United States. He said the fleets were heading toward the Atlantic Ocean from South Africa.

Officials said this marked the most ambitious mission of the Iranian Navy. Over the last two years, the navy has conducted operations in the Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea.

“Like the arrogant powers that are present near our maritime borders, we will also have a powerful presence close to the American marine borders,” Iranian Navy commander Rear Adm. Habibollah Sayari said.

At the same time, Iranian parliamentarians said the Teheran regime canceled a ballistic missile exercise this month. In a statement, 24 parliamentarians said the annual exercise was suspended by President Hassan Rowhani while Foreign Minister Javad Zarif blocked the arrival of foreign specialists to help Iran develop missile technology.

  Adm. Afshin Hadad, Hssan Rowhani, Iran announces its naval fleet ‘approaching United States maritime borders’, Javad Zarif, Rear Adm. Habibollah Sayari