Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy claims to have struck an unmanned US surveillance vessel in the Strait of Hormuz further escalating maritime tensions between Tehran and Washington.
In a statement on Thursday IRGC identified the targeted vessel as a "Sildrone" bearing the hull number 5838. However the Iranian forces did not disclose when the strike occurred and the type of weapon used or the extent of the damage. The US military has not yet commented on IRGC's claim.
The IRGC declared that the strategic Strait of Hormuz is under its strict "intelligence surveillance and smart control" warning that any hostile movements in the area will be met with force.
This maritime incident coincides with reports of renewed Iranian weapons manufacturing. According to the Wall Street Journal also citing US and Middle Eastern officials Tehran has resumed producing ballistic missiles. The assembly is reportedly taking place in underground facilities using existing components though in smaller quantities than before recent regional conflicts.
Together the unverified strike claim and the resumption of missile production highlight growing security concerns in the Gulf region as friction between Iran and the United States continues to mount.
