Tehran, Iran
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that it seized a US underwater drone in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian officials, the unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) was identified as an Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish. However, the claim has not been independently verified.
The IRGC had previously identified the underwater vehicle as a REMUS 600, but has now changed its description and identified it as an Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish. IRGC spokesperson Second Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi reportedly confirmed the alleged seizure in a post on the social media platform X.
Describing the system as an American military asset, he said the Strait of Hormuz has now become an area where the IRGC Navy is monitoring US submarines and maritime systems. According to his statement, this is the second such US maritime system that Iran claims to have taken control of.
Claim of Capture Through an Intelligence Operation
According to Iranian state media, the IRGC described the operation as a planned mission based on military intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities. The Iranian side claims that the US underwater vehicle had been deployed in the Strait of Hormuz for surveillance or intelligence-gathering activities.
The IRGC claims that its naval forces detected the autonomous underwater vehicle using electronic warfare and military intelligence capabilities and subsequently took control of it. Iranian officials described the Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish as an advanced autonomous underwater vehicle equipped with sonar and precision navigation systems.
According to a report by Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, the captured system has been handed over to military experts. Officials claim that data and other potentially sensitive information stored on the vehicle will be examined.
However, no independent and conclusive evidence has so far emerged to verify the Iranian claims regarding the seizure or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Tensions Rise Around the Strait of Hormuz
The development also highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States surrounding the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is considered vital to global energy supplies, meaning any significant military activity in the area could have wider international implications.
The IRGC has stated that its naval forces will continue monitoring unauthorized movements and suspicious activities in the Strait of Hormuz and will take action if necessary.
Iran’s latest claim has once again raised questions about US maritime activities in the region. However, until the incident is confirmed by the US side or independent sources, it should be treated as an Iranian claim rather than an independently verified event.
