U.S. military destroys two Iranian boats attempting to seize drone

The U.S. military reported that it destroyed two small Iranian boats this week after they attempted to seize a U.S. unmanned surface vessel off the coast of Iran. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins stated that the Iranian vessels were unsuccessful in their attempt to take possession of the drone following a forceful response from CENTCOM.

The vessel involved was identified as a ‘Saildrone,’ a roughly 25-foot autonomous craft used by CENTCOM for maritime surveillance. The military maintains that the technology used in these drones is commercially available and not sensitive. All surface drones under CENTCOM’s command remain accounted for.

In contrast, Iranian state media reported that fishing boats were attacked in Hormozgan province, noting that several fishermen were reported missing. This incident occurs amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy shipping corridor where the U.S. has recently worked to reduce Iranian influence. This follows a separate incident last week where Iran reportedly captured an Anduril Dive-LD underwater drone, which the U.S. military described as a malfunctioning older model.