Iran has increased its military presence in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, deploying small submarines specifically designed for operations in the area's shallow waters, as tensions with the US continue to escalate.
According to Iranian media, as well as Bloomberg and Reuters reports, the move is considered part of Tehran's strategy to strengthen control over the maritime corridor through which a large part of global oil and gas trade passes.
Iranian Navy Commander Shahram Irani stated that light submarines have been deployed in the area, which he described as "invisible guardians" of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to American defense analyst Tom Shugart, Iranian Ghadir-class submarines may pose a limited threat to merchant shipping and potentially be used to lay naval mines, but are not considered a serious challenge to the US military fleet.
He warned that Iranian diesel-electric submarines have limited autonomy and are forced to periodically surface to recharge batteries, making them more exposed to radars and surveillance systems.
"Their operating time would be limited, perhaps only a few days. Eventually they would have to use snorkels, which would make them more vulnerable to detection and destruction," Shugart said.
The development comes at a critical time for the Middle East, where navigation in the Strait of Hormuz has become more dangerous due to military activity, a US blockade of Iranian ports and reports of attacks on ships in the area.
