Iran Unveils New Mid-Sized Missile-Firing Submarine

Tehran, Iran (AHN) - Iran's Defense Minister Gen. Mostafa Mohammad Majjar on Monday unveiled the production line of the Islamic state's all-domestically built, mid-sized submarine capable of firing missiles and torpedoes.

State television said the submarine, named "Ghaem," was the realization of the government's huge investments in the country's defense capabilities. Iran wants to achieve self-sufficiency in the defense area and equip its armed forces with modern weapons.

The report adds that the Iranian Navy earlier received two submarines named "Ghdair."

Production of Ghdair began in 2005.

The announcement of Iran's submarine came as Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and urged him to seek a second term amid fierce criticism of the leader's economic policies.

Khamenei lauded Ahmadinejad for "standing up" to Western pressures and said he believe the president will stay four more years after the 2009 presidential elections.