Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have claimed that they seized an American submarine drone in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its naval forces captured the unmanned underwater vehicle early Tuesday.
Iran said the operation involved intelligence and military forces. The Guards also described the drone as one of the US military’s most advanced unmanned submarines.
Iran says drone uses advanced technology
According to the IRGC, the US military received the submarine drone in 2025.
The Guards said the vehicle uses advanced underwater technology.
Iranian state media reported that the drone can conduct underwater surveillance and reconnaissance.
It can also map the seabed, detect mines and inspect submarine cables and pipelines.
The IRGC said it would release images of the captured drone in the coming hours.
Strait of Hormuz remains blocked
Iran has maintained a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since the Middle East war began in late February.
The strategic waterway carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
As a result, any disruption in the strait could affect global energy supplies and prices.
The United States has responded by imposing its own counter-blockade on Iranian ports.
Iran plans to charge ships
Meanwhile, Iran says it plans to charge fees to vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran says it would use the money to fund services such as environmental protection.
However, the United States strongly opposes the plan.
The latest incident could further increase tensions between Iran and the United States as the conflict continues.
