IRGC Spokesman Says Strait of Hormuz Is a Hunting Ground for US Underwater Vehicles

Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi, the spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated in a social media post that the Strait of Hormuz is not open and serves as a hunting ground for the IRGC Navy targeting American underwater vehicles. He announced that a second such vehicle had been captured, identifying it as an Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish, described as an advanced autonomous underwater vehicle equipped with sonar and precise navigation systems, valued at several million dollars. Mohebbi characterized the capture not merely as a seizure but as a technological and intelligence trophy.

The statement did not specify when or where the alleged capture occurred, nor did it provide evidence or further details about the vehicle's origin or mission. The IRGC spokesman's remarks were posted on social media and carried by Mehr News Agency. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, has been a focal point of tensions between Iran and the United States, with both sides frequently trading accusations regarding maritime activities in the region.

This claim follows previous IRGC announcements regarding the seizure of US underwater drones. In recent years, Iran has reported recovering several American unmanned underwater vehicles in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. The US Navy has acknowledged losing some drones during operations but has not commented on the latest assertion. The Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish is a known system used by the US Navy for mine countermeasures and underwater reconnaissance, capable of operating autonomously for extended periods.

Mohebbi's post did not elaborate on the operational status of the Strait of Hormuz or specify what "not open" implies in practical terms. The Strait remains a critical chokepoint for international shipping, and any disruption could have significant implications for global energy markets. The IRGC Navy has previously asserted its control over the waterway, particularly during periods of heightened tensions with the US.

According to Mehr News Agency, the IRGC spokesman concluded by describing the captured vehicle as a "technological and intelligence trophy," underscoring the strategic value Iran places on such acquisitions. The report did not include any response from US officials or independent verification of the claim. The incident adds to the ongoing maritime friction between Iran and the United States in the Gulf region, where both militaries maintain a significant presence.