Iran Announces Plans to Establish Research Station in Antarctica

28 September 2023

Iran is planning to establish its own research station in Antarctica, according to Shahram Irani, commander of the Islamic Republic's naval forces. Irani stated, "Our plan for the future is to raise Iran's banner in Antarctica. The Islamic Republic has its own real estate on the continent, and we are preparing to establish our own station there." He emphasized that Iran's activities in Antarctica would focus on scientific research.

 

The idea of constructing an Antarctic base was initially mentioned in 2013 by Khadem Bigham, a predecessor of Shahram Irani as commander of the Gholamreza Navy. Bigham suggested that Iran's presence in Antarctica could initially involve collaboration with other countries, with independent activities becoming a future goal.

 

It's important to note that Iran claims a region in Antarctica covering approximately 252 square kilometers, situated between 59.5° and 63.14° east longitude. However, this territory is also claimed by Australia, leading to overlapping claims in the same Antarctic area.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: mostafa meraji/Unsplash

Based on materials from TASS