Iran claims to have captured a remotely controlled U.S. submarine near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The Jerusalem Post reports that the unmanned vessel is a Dive-LD, a 19-foot submersible used to survey underwater infrastructure and defuse mines. A Pentagon official said the captured drone was likely an older model that had recently malfunctioned.
“We trapped one of the most modern, intelligent, and unmanned submarines of the terrorist American army at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. This submersible is equipped with the latest technologies,” the IRGC Navy said in a statement carried by Iranian state media.
In response, a Pentagon spokesperson said an underwater drone had “malfunctioned more than a day ago.”
“It was surveying regional waters in support of ongoing operations. The defective drone was an older model that neither collected sensitive data nor carried any classified sonar or radar equipment,” the spokesperson said.
Reuters could not independently verify Iran’s claims and the Pentagon did not address them in its statement.
Anduril confirmed the loss of one of its vessels, but downplayed the significance of the incident.
“Dive-LD is an attritable autonomous system, meaning it is designed from the outset to operate in dangerous environments where loss of the vehicle is an expected possibility,” a company spokesperson said.
Iran also confirmed that it attacked two U.S. vessels and eight oil tankers in the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a U.S. base in Jordan. According to intelligence reports, missiles were launched from 12 different locations across Iran in the heaviest barrage since Operation Roaring Lion. A total of 35 missiles were launched toward Jordan, with about 18 destroyed by air defense systems.
Meanwhile, the IDF and Shin Bet took out three Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad weapons storage facilities, as well as a missile launch pit in the Gaza Strip. The operations took place yesterday and were confirmed this morning. Intelligence continues to suggest that Hamas is working to replenish its weapons and reestablish control in the area.
With tensions escalating, The Fellowship and our supporters pray for shalom, peace, especially as the High Holy Days are less than two days away. May Israel and her people be protected during this sacred time.