Iran Says US Military Underwater Drone Seized During Operation in Strait of Hormuz
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Tehran: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy on Sunday claimed that it had seized an advanced US unmanned underwater vehicle operating in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
According to the IRGC statement, the captured vehicle was a Remus 600 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Iranian military authorities alleged that the vehicle was carrying out an intelligence or espionage mission in the waterway. The IRGC said the operation involved intelligence capabilities and electronic-warfare techniques.
The Guards said the underwater vehicle is now in the possession of Iranian specialists, who are working to recover and analyse data stored on the system. The claim has been reported by Iranian state media and international news agencies; independent confirmation of the seizure was not immediately available.
The IRGC Navy also reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, warning that it would take action against what it described as dangerous movements and unauthorised passage through the strategic waterway.
The latest claim comes amid continuing tensions between Iran and the United States in and around the Gulf. Earlier this month, Iran also claimed to have captured another US unmanned underwater vehicle in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Remus 600 is an autonomous underwater platform designed for missions including seabed mapping, mine detection and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Reports describe it as capable of operating at depths of up to about 600 metres.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy route, and restrictions on maritime traffic through the waterway have heightened concerns over regional security and energy supplies. Recent shipping data showed traffic through the strait had fallen sharply compared with pre-conflict levels.
Important: The seizure and Iran’s allegation that the vehicle was conducting espionage are currently claims by Iranian authorities and should not be treated as independently verified facts.
