Iranian naval vessel. Photo: wiki commons.

USA Today/AP – Iran’s official news agency reported Thursday that the navy has added two more domestically built light submarines to its fleet.

The move is seen as part of Iran’s effort to upgrade its defense capabilities amid escalating tension with the West over its nuclear program. Tehran has threatened to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route, over new U.S. sanctions targeting its critical oil industry.

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