Watch: In a First, US Strikes Iran’s Bandar Abbas Naval Base Using One-Way Attack Sea Drones

The United States has used sea drones in combat for the first time, striking a submarine and a ship maintenance facility at Iran’s Bandar Abbas Naval Base, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

The military said the operation was aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to carry out attacks on commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said three Corsair one-way attack unmanned surface vessels (USVs) hit the naval base on Sunday. It also released footage of the operation, describing it as the first time American forces have used sea drones in combat.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes and a key passage for global energy trade.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said: “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.”

The video released by the US military begins with surveillance footage showing three unmanned surface vessels moving towards Bandar Abbas Naval Base. It then switches to onboard footage from one of the drones as it approaches the port.

The footage shows the drone heading towards piers, cranes and other naval infrastructure before explosions hit the targeted submarine and ship maintenance facility. Thick smoke can then be seen rising from the site.

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… pic.twitter.com/bOM2kmgRxz

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 13, 2026

Bandar Abbas is one of Iran’s main naval bases and serves as an important operating hub for both the Iranian Navy and the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Located near the Strait of Hormuz in Hormozgan Province, the base holds strategic importance because of its proximity to the busy shipping route.

The operation was followed by fresh remarks from US President Donald Trump, who said the United States was reinstating what he called the “Iranian blockade” and would keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

“The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran. We are reinstating THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump also said the United States would become the “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait” and should receive 20% on all cargo shipped through the waterway as payment for providing maritime security.

Iran rejected the comments, saying the United States had no authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s top joint military command said the US would not be allowed to interfere in the management of the waterway and warned that any attempt by American forces to pass through the strait without Iranian authorisation would be “strongly confronted.”

Tehran also said any cooperation with Washington on the issue would amount to “war against Iran” and said the United States and its allies would be responsible for any wider regional conflict.

Separately, Iran claimed that two oil tankers from the United Arab Emirates were attempting to use what it described as an “illegal route” through the Strait of Hormuz under US guidance.

According to a statement from the IRGC, the vessels switched off their navigation systems, ignored repeated warnings from the Strait of Hormuz security control centre and entered a minefield. Iran said the tankers were then targeted and disabled.

References: US Centcom, India Today