IRGC Claims Interception of Second US Underwater Vehicle in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy claims to have intercepted a US underwater vehicle during a reconnaissance mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement, the IRGC Navy said it had seized the vessel following a "coordinated intelligence and electronic warfare operation". They further claim that the vehicle is a REMUS 600 and has been handed over to Iranian military experts "to retrieve its data".

According to Iranian media, REMUS 600 autonomous underwater vehicles are used by the US Navy and several NATO member states. They are relatively lightweight, modular systems compared with larger ocean-going submersibles.

Equipped with various sensors, cameras and advanced sonar systems, the vehicles are primarily designed for surveillance, seabed mapping, mine countermeasures and underwater inspections and can operate at depths of up to 600 metres.

Neither US Central Command (CENTCOM) nor the US Department of Defense had confirmed or denied the claim at the time of writing.

It is the second time in recent days that Tehran has claimed to have seized US underwater equipment.

On Tuesday, the IRGC announced that it had intercepted another autonomous underwater vehicle, identified as a Dive-LD manufactured by US defence company Anduril, near the entrance to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Washington has yet to publicly respond to that claim.

IRGC claims Strait of Hormuz is still closed

In the final part of its statement, the IRGC Navy reiterated Tehran's claim that "the Strait of Hormuz is closed", warning that its forces would confront any unauthorised passage or military activity in the waterway.

Under normal conditions, the Strait of Hormuz is a vital shipping route for around one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Maritime tensions in the region have escalated amid recent regional conflicts.

In recent months, Tehran has asserted control over the strait and announced plans to charge vessels transit fees, drawing strong opposition from the United States and its allies.

Washington has also introduced restrictions on access to Iranian ports, further intensifying tensions in the region.