A dangerous new flashpoint has emerged in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran and the US trade claims over drones, tankers and military attacks.
BY PC Bureau
September 9, 2026: A fresh confrontation between Tehran and Washington has erupted around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, with Iran claiming it captured a US unmanned underwater vehicle and shot down an MQ-9 Reaper drone in separate incidents.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said it seized a Dive-LD autonomous submersible during an intelligence operation near the entrance to the strait. Sepah News, the IRGC’s official outlet, described the vehicle as one of the US military’s most advanced unmanned systems and released video purportedly showing the craft.
The IRGC also claimed its air-defence units shot down an MQ-9 Reaper over the same waterway.
The US military confirmed that one of its underwater drones had malfunctioned more than a day earlier while surveying waters in the region. A Pentagon spokesperson said the vehicle was an older model that carried no classified sonar or radar and had collected no sensitive data. US officials did not confirm whether it was the same system displayed by Iran.
This is just crazy, Iran claims the IRGC seized the advanced US autonomous submersible in a dawn intelligence operation at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz; the vehicle is described as 5.8 meters long, delivered to the US Navy in 2025, a
IRGC Navy footage showing close-up… pic.twitter.com/mcrlmIaUgn
— RainyFoxMedia (@RainyFoxMedia) September 8, 2026
The Dive-LD, manufactured by Anduril, can remain at sea for up to 10 days and dive to depths of 6,000 metres (about 19,700 feet). Individual units have reportedly cost around $2.5 million. Washington has been expanding its fleet of unmanned surface and underwater vessels to monitor vast stretches of ocean and track ships and submarines while reducing costs and risks to sailors.
Separately, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces destroyed five Iranian crude-oil tankers after IRGC units allegedly attempted to strike a US warship with ballistic missiles on two consecutive days.
The US Treasury Department also added 27 Iranian airlines to its Specially Designated Nationals list, accusing commercial carriers of being used by the IRGC to transport weapons and personnel. Washington first sanctioned Mahan Air in 2011 and has subsequently targeted sales agents, front companies and procurement networks allegedly involved in acquiring aircraft and related technology.
READ: Balaghat Tragedy: Who Cares for Tribal Lives in India?
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would continue resisting until “the aggressors are brought to complete regret”. He reiterated Iran’s opposition to war and said regional security depended on restraint, while insisting that Tehran would continue defending the country.
The latest confrontation comes amid a sharp escalation that began with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian cities on February 28. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and US facilities and tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
A June 18 memorandum of understanding called for talks within 60 days aimed at ending the fighting. That deadline expired on August 17 without a final agreement, leaving tensions between Tehran and Washington dangerously high.
