Iran Captures U.S. Submarine Drone in Strait of Hormuz

On September 9, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the capture of an American unmanned submarine drone at the entrance to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC claimed its naval forces seized the drone during a complex intelligence and operational mission, releasing images of the vessel.

The United States confirmed the drone had fallen into Iranian hands but rejected Iran's characterization of the incident as a capture of an advanced military asset. A Pentagon spokesperson stated that the drone had malfunctioned more than a day earlier while conducting surveys in regional waters.

The U.S. military clarified that the drone was an older model, lacking sensitive information or classified sonar or radar equipment. Iranian state media identified the captured vessel as a Dive-LD, a 19-foot autonomous underwater vehicle developed by Anduril, capable of operating for up to 10 days and diving to depths of about 6,000 meters.

The IRGC portrayed the capture as a significant military achievement.