Tensions Over Hormuz Rise as Iran Claims Second Capture of US Underwater Drones – THIS UPDATE

Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces have claimed the capture of a second advanced American unmanned underwater vehicle in the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC identified the vessel as a Remus 600, claiming it was operating in the strategic waterway for espionage purposes.

In a statement on Sunday, the IRGC said the vehicle was intercepted through a “coordinated and complex operation” involving military intelligence and electronic warfare.

The Guard said the Remus 600 was now in the possession of its specialists, who would analyze the system and try to recover the information stored on it.

The IRGC also said the Strait of Hormuz remained closed, warning against what it described as dangerous and unauthorized maritime movements.

“The IRGC Navy firmly declares that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and we are taking strong and unremitting actions against dangerous movements and unauthorized traffic through the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement read.

The latest claim comes less than three weeks after Iran announced the capture of another US underwater drone, identified as Dive-LD.

The U.S. military admitted losing the vehicle but said it had malfunctioned more than a day before Iranian forces recovered it.

The Pentagon also said the old platform did not collect sensitive information or carry classified sonar or radar equipment.

The latest clash follows Iran’s proposal for a seven-day roadmap aimed at ending the fighting and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Under the proposal, Washington would lift a naval blockade of Iranian ports, ease restrictions on Iranian oil sales and observe a regional ceasefire. Iran would later reopen the strait and begin talks with the United States over its nuclear program.

After his return from the United Nations General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would remain firm towards the United States and Israel.

Senior Iranian military spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi separately warned Washington against interfering with Tehran’s management of the strait.

“The Americans should not dream of interfering in the management of the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, warning that ships using routes not designated by Iran “will not have security.”