US Says Submarine Drone ‘Malfunctioned’ as Iran Claims Capture Near Strait of Hormuz

US claims drone malfunctioned as Iran captures unmanned vessel near Hormuz. Tensions rise amid sanctions and attacks.

September 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — City, Country — The United States has stated that an underwater drone “malfunctioned” before falling into Iranian hands, emphasizing that it was an older model not involved in sensitive operations.

Iranian state media released footage showing the capture of a U.S. unmanned underwater vehicle near the Strait of Hormuz, with the Revolutionary Guard claiming to have seized one of the most modern, intelligent, and unmanned submarines of the terrorist American army.

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The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions, including the destruction of five Iranian oil tankers by the U.S. military in response to missile strikes on a Navy warship. Meanwhile, Houthi rebels backed by Iran have launched attacks on Saudi cities, causing injuries and disrupting energy operations.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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