The presence of foreign naval forces in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz has noticeably decreased as Iranian military units project force across the region, said Iran's military chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Tasnim reported.

During a visit to an airbase in the Iranian southern port city of Bushehr on Sunday, Major General Bagheri said the presence of large fleets of extra-regional forces in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz has shrunk to a minimum compared to the past.

According to the commander-in-chief, this proves that security in the region prevails due to the powerful actions of the Iranian Armed Forces.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for the security of most of the Persian Gulf and has a strong security presence in its northern half, he added.

The general also noted that Iranian naval and air patrol units are present in the Persian Gulf around the clock and ensure the security of commercial and fishing vessels as well as oil, gas and petrochemical facilities.

In April 2020, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, emphasized Iran's key role in maintaining security in the Persian Gulf, saying that the presence of foreigners threatens any initiatives that might benefit the people of the region.

Iranian officials argue that the security of the Persian Gulf region is the responsibility of regional countries alone, rejecting U.S. claims of a desire for security in the region.