Iran claims captures of US submarine in Hormuz, attack on its bases in retaliation for strikes
PTC News Desk: Iran has claimed to have captured one of the US military's "most modern, smart" unmanned submarines at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz.
The submersible vehicle is equipped with the world's most modern subsurface vehicle technology, it said, and released a video of the captured vehicle.
Footage released by Iranian media shows what the IRGC claims is an American Dive-LD unmanned submarine captured today. Iran says the vessel is now in its possession. pic.twitter.com/POWlEHHnd5 — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 8, 2026
Following the IRGC's announcement, the US military said one of its underwater drones had malfunctioned more than a day earlier while carrying out a survey of waters in the region. However, it did not confirm whether the malfunctioning drone was the same one that Iran claimed to have seized.
A Pentagon spokesperson said the drone had been surveying regional waters in support of ongoing military operations. The spokesperson added that it was an older model that did not collect sensitive information and was not equipped with classified sonar or radar systems.
The US military is increasingly investing in unmanned naval technology, including underwater and surface drones. These systems are being developed as a cheaper way to monitor large areas of the ocean, collect intelligence and track enemy ships and submarines without putting military personnel at risk.
According to Anduril, its Dive-LD underwater drone can operate for up to 10 days without returning to base and can dive as deep as 6,000 metres (19,700 feet). Each unit costs around $2.5 million, according to a 2024 report by DefenseScoop.
US Claims Strikes on Iranian Tankers
Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers following attacks by Iran's Revolutionary Guard on a US warship.
CENTCOM said the US strikes came after Iran made two attempts over two days to attack the warship with ballistic missiles.
US sanctions Iranian airlines
The US Department of the Treasury has also added 27 Iranian airlines to its Specially Designated Nationals list as part of efforts to increase pressure on Tehran.
The department alleged that Iranian commercial airlines have for years supported activities carried out by the Iranian regime. It also claimed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has used airlines that appear to be private companies to procure and transport weapons and move personnel.
- With inputs from agencies
