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US forces struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Iran's Bandar Abbas Naval Base using one-way attack sea drones. The operation, followed by Trump's fresh Hormuz claims and Iran's rejection, sharpened regional tensions.
The footage begins with high-altitude surveillance visual showing 3 unmanned surface vessels racing across the water towards Iran's Bandar Abbas naval docks. (Photo: X/@CENTCOM)
UPDATED: Jul 13, 2026 21:41 IST
US forces struck a submarine and a ship maintenance facility in Iran on Sunday using one-way attack drones, Central Command (CENTCOM) said. The military also released footage of the operation, marking what it described as the first operational use of suicide sea drones in combat by American forces.
The video, released by the US military on Monday, captures the operation targeting a submarine and a ship maintenance facility at Iran's Bandar Abbas Naval Base.
"Yesterday, using multiple one-way attack surface drones, CENTCOM forces successfully struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran. Three Corsair unmanned surface vessels hit the port at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations. Last night's strikes degraded Iran's ability to continue attacking commercial shipping," CENTCOM said in a post on X.
HOW THE STRIKE UNFOLDED
The footage begins with high-altitude surveillance visual showing three fast-moving unmanned surface vessels racing across the water towards Iran's Bandar Abbas naval docks. Red circles identify each drone as it closes in on the target area.
The video then switches to onboard camera footage from one of the vessels, showing it speeding across open water before approaching piers, cranes and naval infrastructure in what appears to be a one-way attack mission. Moments later, large explosions engulf the targeted facilities, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air as the strike concludes.
CENTCOM said the operation was aimed at reducing Iran's ability to launch further attacks against commercial vessels operating around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints.
The Bandar Abbas Naval Base is one of Iran's most important military ports, serving as a key hub for the Iranian Navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' naval forces.
TRUMP SAYS US TO CHARGE 20% ON CARGO SHIPPED VIA HORMUZ
Tensions with Iran escalated further on Monday after President Donald Trump announced that the United States was reinstating the "Iranian blockade" and would ensure the Strait of Hormuz remained open despite Iran's attempts to assert control over the waterway.
"The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran. We are reinstating THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He also declared that the United States would become the "Guardian of the Hormuz Strait" and said Washington should be reimbursed at a rate of 20 per cent on all cargo shipped through the strategic passage for providing maritime security.
IRAN REJECTS US CLAIMS
Iran dismissed Trump's remarks, insisting Washington had no authority over the strategic waterway.
Iran's top joint military command said the US would not be allowed to intervene in the management of the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any attempt by American forces to transit the waterway without Iranian authorisation would be "strongly confronted."
The military also warned neighbouring countries against cooperating with Washington, saying any such cooperation would amount to "war against Iran." Tehran added that responsibility for any wider regional conflict would lie with the United States and its allies.
The latest round of hostilities erupted after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed over the weekend, casting fresh uncertainty over efforts to halt the conflict and fuelling a spike in oil prices.
- Ends
With inputs from agencies
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Jul 13, 2026 21:41 IST
