Iran announced that it had seized a US unmanned underwater vehicle; The USA announced that it was damaged

Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced that they seized a US unmanned underwater vehicle in an operation at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported that the vehicle has the capabilities of underwater reconnaissance and surveillance, mapping the seabed, detecting mines and examining undersea cables and pipelines.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) Spokesperson Tim Hawkins announced that an unmanned underwater vehicle used by American forces malfunctioned. Hawkins stated that the vehicle was inspecting regional waters to support ongoing operations, but did not mention whether it was seized by Iran.

In a separate statement, the Revolutionary Guard claimed that it shot down an MQ-1 type unmanned aerial vehicle over the Strait of Hormuz. The statement did not specify which country the aircraft belonged to.

NEW SANCTIONS FROM WASHINGTON, REACTION FROM TEHRAN

The US Treasury Department announced that sanctions were imposed on 36 targets related to Iran's aviation industry. It was reported that the decision also included 27 Iranian airline companies that were not previously included in the sanctions list.

The ministry accused the Iranian administration of using the aviation sector to transport weapons, personnel and illegal cargo. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that those doing business with airline companies under sanctions may face the risk of being excluded from the global financial system.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticized the US for re-applying sanctions, arguing that Washington could not achieve its goals through sanctions and war.