U.S. Drone Sub Seized by Iran in Strait of Hormuz

Iran announced on Tuesday that its naval forces have captured an American unmanned submersible in the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media reports. The announcement did not specify when the capture took place or provide details on the drone’s condition. Iranian officials described the device as a U.S.-made autonomous underwater vehicle, which they said was seized during a routine patrol in the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply travels. The area has been a frequent flashpoint for tensions between Tehran and Washington. No immediate confirmation or comment from the U.S. military was available at the time of the report. The claim follows a series of recent incidents involving American and Iranian naval forces operating in close proximity in the region. Analysts note that unmanned systems are increasingly used for surveillance in such contested waters, but their capture can quickly escalate diplomatic friction. If confirmed, the seizure would mark a rare loss of U.S. military equipment to Iranian forces in open waters. Further details are expected as both governments respond.