Iran's foreign minister keeps indirect talks with the U.S. open; Iranian navy claims capture of underwater drone

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy of Iran announced the capture of a second US underwater drone in the Strait of Hormuz. A statement from the IRGC Navy detailed the interception, attributing it to a joint intelligence and electronic warfare operation. The vessel, identified as a REMUS 600, was handed over to Iranian military experts for data retrieval.

The REMUS 600 is a lightweight, modular underwater vehicle commonly used by the US Navy and other NATO members, equipped with sensors, cameras, and advanced sonar systems for surveillance, seabed mapping, and mine countermeasures. It can operate at depths of up to 600 meters.

This is the second time in recent days that Iran has claimed to have seized US underwater equipment. On Tuesday, the IRGC Navy intercepted another autonomous underwater vehicle, reportedly a Dive-LD from the US defense company Anduril, near the Strait of Hormuz's entrance. As of the time of reporting, neither US Central Command nor the US Department of Defense had confirmed or refuted the claim. Iran continues to assert that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, threatening any unauthorized passage or military activity.

The IRGC Navy emphasized Iran's control over the Strait, warning of confrontations with any unapproved activities within its waters. The Strait is crucial to global trade, serving as a passing route for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Tensions in the region have escalated due to recent conflicts, with Iran asserting dominion over the strait and proposing transit fees for vessels, a move strongly opposed by the United States and its allies.

In response, Washington has imposed restrictions on access to Iranian ports, further heightening the regional tensions.