The U.S. military has utilized sea drones in combat for the first time, targeting an Iranian repair hub for submarines. The attack took place in the southern city of Bandar Abbas, a key location for Iran’s naval forces.
While Ukraine has used explosive sea drones against Russian ports in the Black Sea since 2022, this marks the first combat use by a major Western military. The drones, known for their one-way attack capabilities, are called kamikaze sea drones.
On Sunday, three Corsair naval drones struck the naval base in Bandar Abbas. Corsair drones are 24 feet long, can cover distances of up to 1,150 miles, and travel at speeds of about 40 miles per hour. Saronic, the Texas-based manufacturer, expressed pride in their technology’s role.
The U.S. Central Command released a video showing the drones hitting the port. Newsweek has not independently verified this footage. Reports state that the strike resulted in three casualties.
The U.S. has conducted additional strikes, while Iran responded by attacking two UAE tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. An Iranian attack also reportedly targeted U.S. facilities in Jordan and Bahrain.
This escalation poses challenges to the fragile memorandum of understanding agreed upon by the U.S. and Iran on June 17, aiming to negotiate a peace deal. The recent conflicts ignited after joint U.S.-Israeli actions led to Iranian retaliation.
The U.S. aims to reopen the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of global oil and gas flow. President Donald Trump announced a renewed blockade of Iranian ports and a 20 percent charge on goods passing through the strait.
In response, Iran plans to tighten control over the Strait of Hormuz. The situation remains tense as both nations maneuver through diplomatic and military challenges.