Iranian President Mohammad Khatami on Wednesday called for an end to the presence of foreign forces in the Gulf region, stressing that regional states are capable of ensuring security for the region.

Foreign military presence in the Persian Gulf is a source of tension and crisis and is an insult to regional governments and nations, Khatami said at a flag-hoisting ceremony of the armed forces in Bandar Abbas, capital city of the southern province of Hormozgan.

He said western countries sent their troops to the region in order to maintain their illegitimate control over the sensitive region which sees great potential, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

Khatami did not mention the name of any country, but he was obviously referring to the US and its allies that have deployed troops and military facilities in the region with a claimed aim of thwarting perceived threats to the oil-rich Gulf sheikdoms and ensuring the flow of oil to outside world.

Iran, which is vehemently opposed to the presence of foreign forces in the Gulf, had on several occasions called on regional states to maintain peace and security through cooperation among themselves.

"The regional countries are interested in peaceful coexistence in the region," said Khatami, "we believe that foreign forces must leave the entire region."

He called on the regional states to show their ability to safeguard regional security and independence. He also expressed hope that solidarity will be promoted among the Gulf littoral states.

Repeating the detente policy of his government, Khatami said Iran has been a forerunner in advocating the establishment of a region free of foreign forces.

Meanwhile, the naval forces of the Iranian army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) launched a military exercise in the waters of the Gulf in the presence of President Khatami.

A submarine, some destroyers, missile boats, speed boats and helicopters took part in Wednesday's war games. (Xinhua)