Naval history of Iran

The modern navy of Iran was born in 1885, when steamers Persepolis and Susa were commissioned into service in the Persian Gulf.[2]

Imperial Iranian Navy
The seal of the Imperial Iranian Navy
Founded	5 November 1932
Disbanded	11 February 1979
Country	Pahlavi Iran
Type	Navy
Role	Naval warfare
Size	22,000 (1979)
Fleet	3 destroyers 4 frigates 4 corvettes 9 fast attack crafts
Insignia
Ensign
Jack	1926–1974 1974–1979
Roundel

The Imperial Iranian Navy (IIN) was the name of Iran's navy, until the Iranian Revolution in 1979.

It was nearly destroyed during a surprise attack by Britain and the Soviet Union in World War II, which began the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran. Numerous Iranian ships were sunk or damaged while still moored at their home ports.

Following World War II, the fleet began replacing destroyed warships with destroyers, frigates and many smaller vessels, including powerboats and hovercraft, many of which originated from the U.S. and UK, which had played a part in destroying much of the original equipment in World War II. In the 1970s, Iran planned to extend its naval reach into the Indian Ocean; but this goal was curtailed by the revolution, and the ensuing western-backed first Gulf War (Iran–Iraq War) (1980–1988) which left it hampered in the face of the invasion.

The Imperial Iranian Navy regained control of the Tunb and Abu Musa islands on 30 November 1971, following the British withdrawal from these islands.

Since before 1971, the navy had been supplied primarily with American and British equipment. Up until 1979, Iran rapidly modernised its navy, adding American and British-made destroyers, frigates and many smaller vessels, including hovercraft. Aircraft were also included.

During this period, Iran established an aviation capability in its navy. It was mainly equipped with American aircraft types.

Iran also had orders for more American and British naval armaments by the time of the Iranian revolution.

An Ol-class tanker was ordered from the United Kingdom. Called Kharg, this was built in 1977 but not delivered until 1984.

Four modified Spruance-class destroyers, were ordered from the United States, while eight modified Kortenaer-class frigates were ordered from Royal Schelde in the Netherlands. The revolution happened before any of the ships could be delivered, so, both orders were cancelled. The Kidd-class destroyers then went into service with the United States Navy and were later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, where they are still in service.

By 1979, the IIN had three battalions of marines.

• Acquisition of vessels by the Imperial Iranian Navy in Napoli, 1932.
• 
  The Iranian warship Babr (Tiger) circa 1936.
• 
  1950s era Iranian postage stamp illustrating the Iranian warship Palang (Leopard) sunk while moored at an Abadan pier, by the Royal Navy during a surprise attack on Iran, August 1941.

With the fall of the Shah in the revolution of 1979, the Imperial Iranian Navy was renamed as the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN). From then on, the United States imposed economic sanctions and an arms embargo, severely hampering Iran's ability to maintain and equip its navy. In fact, the navy was more severely affected than Iran's army or air force. Several of Iran's ships had to be laid up. Since 1979, the number of marines in the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy has expanded to, 2600 personnel, in two marine brigades, each composed of three battalions. These two brigades have also been reported as three battalions in the IRIN (which may be part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army).