TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy has established a popular unit consisting of voluntary local sailors that can carry out operations in oceans with their vessels armed with rockets, a top commander said. Addressing a conference on Tuesday, IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri said the naval Basij (mobilization forces) for ocean missions has been organized after the successful experience of the IRGC Navy in forming the maritime Basij in the Persian Gulf. He said the maritime Basij in the Persian Gulf includes 55,000 voluntary forces with 33,000 vessels, noting that its second phase will be established in the Caspian Sea. Lauding the bravery of the mobilization forces, the commander said when the Somalian pirates hijacked a launch of the maritime Basij, the voluntary forces took action single-handedly, arrested nine pirates courageously, and handed them over to the military units. The naval Basij for ocean missions involves large boats and launch
TEHRAN (FNA)- Israel’s war on Gaza is upsetting many Americans who think it must follow growing demands for an immediate ceasefire, according to a new poll. The Reuters/Ipsos survey found only 32 percent of respondents said “the US should support Israel”. That is down from 41 percent from a poll conducted on October 12-13 – just days after the war broke out. About 68 percent of respondents said they agreed with the statement, “Israel should call a ceasefire and try to negotiate”. Some 39 percent supported the idea “the US should be a neutral mediator”, compared with 27 percent a month earlier. Only 4 percent of respondents said the United States should support Palestinians, while 15 percent said the US shouldn’t be involved at all in the war. While the US has been a significant Israeli ally, just 31 percent of respondents said they supported sending Israel weapons. The plunge in support fol