Iranian navy ships have thwarted a pirate attack on a suezmax in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait off Yemen.

The unnamed laden vessel was approached by about 10 speedboats last, the Sputnik news agency said.

The navy had sent its 61st group, consisting of the Sabalan frigate and the Bandar Abbas logistical support ship, to the area, according to South Fleet commander rear admiral Afshin Tashak.