ABADAN, Khuzestan Prov. -- The Iranian southern ports of Khorramshahr and Abadan are ready to handle incoming and outgoing cargoes, the Abadan city governor declared on Friday.

"Notwithstanding the continuing war in Iraq, the two ports are now ready to load and unload as security measures have been put in place by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps," Jamal Alami told IRNA.

According to the official, activity in the ports had been halted due to certain problems which arose when U.S. and British forces invaded neighboring Iraq.

He also voiced optimism domestic and foreign ships will resume patronage of the ports' services after these had been halted over the past few weeks.