The United States has deployed autonomous kamikaze drones for the first time in a military strike against Iranian naval infrastructure, targeting the Bandar Abbas base.
The attack reportedly sank the Ghadir, a mini-submarine that has been a persistent threat to commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, which began after Iran attacked a commercial cargo vessel in the strait earlier this week.
The deployment of unmanned naval systems represents a tactical evolution in US operations in the region.
By targeting the Ghadir, US forces aim to neutralize asymmetric threats that have disrupted maritime commerce.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, and any further escalation risks prolonging shipping disruptions and insurance premium spikes.