Hormuz, Iran – The IRGC Navy announced Tuesday that it seized an American unmanned underwater vehicle operating near the Strait of Hormuz entrance. The Iranian announcement comes during an incident regarding which there has been no immediate confirmation or official comment from Washington.
Tehran Cites Intelligence Operation
The IRGC Navy stated in an official release that the operation was executed Tuesday dawn following precise operational and intelligence surveillance. The statement did not disclose the exact geographical location of the interception or the specific methodology used to capture the drone.
Officials added that the vessel represents advanced autonomous underwater technology that entered active service with the US military during 2025. The IRGC did not specify the model name or publish photographic evidence validating US ownership, noting photos would follow shortly.
Reconnaissance Roles and Escalating Tensions
Iranian media reported that unmanned submersibles are deployed for multi-role missions including surveillance, seabed surveying, mine detection, and pipeline inspection. The announcement coincides with rising maritime friction between Tehran and Washington alongside increased US naval activity across the strategic waterway.
US Central Command previously stated that an aircraft carrier and destroyer evaded Iranian missile strikes before Washington disabled three Iranian tankers. The United States has not issued statements confirming lost undersea equipment, leaving the Iranian claim unverified across global energy corridors.
