Iran Claims Seizure of US REMUS 600 Drone in Hormuz
Abu Dhabi – The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced on Sunday that its forces intercepted and seized an unmanned underwater vehicle during a reconnaissance mission in the Strait of Hormuz. The military branch claimed the operation was conducted through coordinated intelligence and electronic warfare tactics. According to the IRGC statement, the captured vessel is identified as a REMUS 600 autonomous underwater system. The organization further stated that the device has been transferred to Iranian military experts for data retrieval purposes. This claim was issued shortly after the incident occurred, with Iranian media outlets providing additional context regarding the technical specifications of the alleged drone.
The United States military quickly rejected the Iranian assertion. Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, told Al Jazeera that the US maintains positive control over all of its operational drone assets. The denial came hours after the IRGC’s initial report, creating a direct contradiction between Tehran’s claims and Washington’s official position on the status of its naval equipment in the region.
This incident marks the second time in recent days that Tehran has publicly claimed the seizure of American underwater technology. On Tuesday, the IRGC announced the interception of another autonomous underwater vehicle near the entrance to the strategically vital waterway. That specific device was identified by Iranian officials as a Dive-LD manufactured by the US defense contractor Anduril. As of Sunday, the US government had not issued a public response to the earlier claim regarding the Anduril-made unit.
Amidst these technological disputes, senior Iranian military leadership reiterated aggressive postures regarding the security of the Strait. Major General Amir Hatami, the commander-in-chief of Iran’s regular army, reaffirmed Tehran’s sovereignty over the waterway. He described the strait as one of national honor and warned against unauthorized passage or military activity by foreign forces. Hatami called on Gulf states to pressure the removal of US forces from the region, asserting that regional security cannot be achieved without the departure of American troops and what he termed the Zionist regime.
General Hatami also emphasized that the conflict with Western powers remains unresolved. He stated that while Iran has won certain battles, the war is not over and the aggressor must remain prepared for further strikes from Iranian soldiers. In contrast, US President Donald Trump addressed the situation in interviews with American media on Sunday. He predicted that oil prices would drop immediately once Iran capitulates and the war concludes, expressing confidence that such an outcome is imminent.
According to reports cited by Iranian media, the REMUS 600 is a lightweight, modular system used by the US Navy and several NATO member states. These vehicles are equipped with advanced sonar, cameras, and sensors designed for seabed mapping, mine countermeasures, and surveillance at depths up to 600 meters. The IRGC Navy concluded its statement by warning that any unauthorized passage in the Strait would be met with confrontation by their forces.
This report was produced in the Europe Brief News newsroom.
