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Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim capture of 'one of smartest' US submarine drones in Strait of Hormuz; US says drone malfunctioned

Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed they captured a U.S. submarine drone in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as one of the most advanced models. The U.S. military stated the drone malfunctioned while conducting surveillance, and was not equipped with classified technology, according to a military official.

Deccan Herald Deccan Herald+1 source8 September 2026 · 20:29 UTC
CuriousCats Full Story

Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced the capture of a U.S. submarine drone in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it to be one of the most advanced unmanned vehicles in the U.S. fleet. The drone was reportedly seized during a complex operation at dawn.4

According to the Guards, the drone is equipped with cutting-edge technology for subsurface reconnaissance, seabed mapping, and mine detection. They stated, "This smart submarine is equipped with the latest technology in the subsurface field in the world, which was delivered to the US terrorist army fleet in 2025."

However, a U.S. military official confirmed that the drone malfunctioned over a day ago while conducting surveillance in the region. The official noted that it was an older model and did not carry any classified sonar or radar equipment. The U.S. has been conducting operations in the area amid ongoing tensions with Iran, which has maintained a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since the war's outbreak in late February.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route, carrying about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports. In response to Iran's actions, the U.S. has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports, further escalating tensions in the region. Iran has also announced plans to charge fees from vessels transiting the strait to fund environmental protection services, a move opposed by the U.S.

Key Insight
“The US official said the drone was an older model and carried no classified sonar or radar equipment. Iran has blockaded the strait, which normally carries about a fifth of the world's oil and LNG exports, since the war began in late February.”
CuriousCats studied:
1
Deccan HeraldDeccan Herald
“A U.S. military drone malfunctioned in the Middle East while it was surveying regional waters in support of the Iran war, a U.S. official told Reuters on Tuesday.”
Deccan Herald →
2
NDTV
“Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Tuesday said they seized an American submarine drone in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has blockaded in the months-long Middle East war.”
NDTV →
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