The Iranian navy has revealed it has entered into 204 clashes with pirates in international waters in the last 10 years.
The Fars News Agency cited Commander of the Iranian Navy Marines Admiral Seyed Morteza Darkhoran as saying his forces have escorted 2,218 ships since 2008.
The country's main mission is to protect Iranian vessels, but it has also helped overseas ships.
Darkhoran said in 2014 a Chinese cargoship requested help from the Iranian fleet of warships deployed in the Gulf of Aden, saying that Iran's marines engaged in clashes for 24 hours, arrested all of the attackers and returned the Chinese ship safely.
He also mentioned the rescue of a Chinese container vessel surrounded by pirates in the Gulf of Aden the same year.
The ship was heading towards the Indian Ocean from Singapore when it was attacked by armed pirates riding in five speedboats.
The 31st Fleet of warships rushed to help it as soon as they received the SOS message.
In recent years, Iran has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels.
