Iran has begun installing new centrifuges to accelerate the pace of uranium enrichment for its "peaceful nuclear program," an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said during a press conference Tuesday.

"We are continuing to install the new centrifuges, which are faster and more efficient," the spokesperson said.

"This is yet another confirmation of the Islamic Republic's march forward with its nuclear program," he added. The spokesperson emphasized that Iran had notified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of the new centrifuges' installation. "The IAEA knows that Iran's peaceful nuclear program is moving forward, and they are monitoring these steps," the spokesperson said.

The U.N. Security Council has instructed Tehran, on more than one occasion, to stop enriching uranium in Iran until the IAEA can clearly assess the purpose of Iran's nuclear program. Up to now, Iran has ignored those entreaties.

As if the Iranian nuclear threat were not enough, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, said Tuesday that Iran would soon launch ships into the Atlantic ocean armed with medium-range cruise missiles. Sayyari said the launch would be executed "as soon as it gets a green light."

"Iran's presence in the Mediterranean sea, the Suez Canal, and the South Indian sea is a top priority," Sayyari added.

In light of Iran's threatening gestures, U.S. Republican presidential candidate, Herman Cain, said on Tuesday that he supports military strikes on Iran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, or as a reaction to any hostile step the country may take against Israel.