TEHRAN: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Sunday that its naval forces seized a US Remus 600 underwater drone in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement carried by state broadcaster IRIB, the IRGC said specialists were examining the unmanned vehicle and attempting to retrieve information from it.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) disputed the claim. Captain Tim Hawkins said the United States retained “positive control of all of our operational drone assets”, according to sources.
The IRGC also repeated its position that the Strait of Hormuz remained closed. It said its navy would act against what it described as dangerous manoeuvres and unauthorised transit.
Read: Iran Targets US Sea Drone in Strait of Hormuz, IRGC Says
Iranian authorities identified the vehicle as a Remus 600. However, the US denial creates a direct dispute over whether any operational American underwater drone was captured.
The claim surfaced during continuing tensions over access to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has linked restrictions in the waterway to the wider conflict and maritime pressure involving the United States.
Read: F-15E Iran Shootdown Survivor Recalls Two-Day Escape
No independent confirmation of the alleged seizure. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards say they seized a US Remus 600 underwater drone in the Strait of Hormuz, while US Central Command says all operational drone assets remain under US control.