Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday claimed it had captured a US unmanned underwater vehicle near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The United States has not yet publicly commented on the reported capture.

The IRGC said its naval forces seized what it described as one of the US military's most advanced unmanned submarines during an intelligence and operational mission at dawn.

According to a statement carried by Iranian state media, the underwater vehicle was among the latest US systems and had been delivered to the American military fleet in 2025.

The Guards said it would release photographs and video footage of the captured asset in the coming hours.

Iranian media described the vehicle as being capable of conducting underwater reconnaissance and surveillance, mapping the seabed, detecting mines and inspecting submarine cables and pipelines.

Strait of Hormuz remains under blockade

The reported seizure comes as Iran continues to block the strategically important Strait of Hormuz amid the months-long war.

The waterway is a crucial global energy route, normally accounting for roughly one-fifth of worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

The United States has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports in response to Tehran's actions.

Iran, US clash over shipping route

Tehran has said it intends to impose fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the revenue would help fund services such as environmental protection.

The latest development adds to tensions surrounding the strategic waterway, with both Iran and the United States maintaining opposing measures affecting maritime traffic in and around the Gulf.