Iran Claims Capture of Advanced US Underwater Drone Near Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says its navy captured an advanced American unmanned underwater vehicle near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, identifying the vessel as an Anduril Dive-LD autonomous undersea vehicle. The US military has not confirmed the seizure.

TEHRAN — Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced Tuesday that its navy had captured an advanced US unmanned underwater vehicle near the entrance to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement carried by Iranian state media .

The IRGC Navy claimed in a statement that the vehicle had been delivered to the US military in 2025 and was now in Iranian possession as a "prize," adding that images of the captured vessel would be released .

There was no immediate confirmation from the US military regarding the reported seizure.

Identifying the Drone: Anduril Dive-LD

Iranian state media identified the captured vessel as a Dive-LD autonomous undersea vehicle, manufactured by US defense technology company Anduril Industries .

According to manufacturer specifications, the Dive-LD is a substantial piece of equipment:

The vehicle has a modular design allowing different sensors and payloads to be fitted for various missions, including intelligence and surveillance, mine warfare, seabed mapping, and inspection of underwater infrastructure .

Context: Rising Tensions in the Strait

The reported seizure comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply flows.

On the same day as the IRGC announcement, the US Treasury imposed fresh Iran-related sanctions on one individual and 35 entities, including all 27 remaining Iranian airlines .

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned companies against doing business with Iranian airlines in a post on X:

"Let this be a warning to anyone doing business with Iran's remaining airlines, all of which we sanctioned today: You are at risk of being cut off from the global financial system."

The measures were described as part of Operation Economic Outcast, Washington's campaign to cut financial lifelines to the Islamic Republic .

What Happens Next

The IRGC said images of the captured vessel would be released "within hours" . If verified, the seizure would represent a significant intelligence coup for Iran, potentially giving Tehran access to advanced American underwater technology.

The US military has not responded to the IRGC's claim. The incident marks the latest flashpoint in an increasingly volatile standoff between Washington and Tehran.

The Bottom Line

The reported capture, if confirmed, would be a notable embarrassment for the US military and a propaganda victory for Iran. As tensions continue to escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, the incident underscores the high-stakes nature of the US-Iran confrontation playing out in one of the world's most critical waterways.