Captain Tim Hawkins, US Central Command spokesperson, told Al Jazeera that the US had not lost any underwater drones, calling the Revolutionary Guard's claim "clearly desperate."
The IRGC said it had seized a Remus 600, a 5.8‑metre autonomous submersible built by California‑based Anduril, during a "coordinated and complex operation" that combined intelligence and electronic warfare. They claimed the vessel was capturing surveillance data in the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier this month, the IRGC captured a Dive‑LD, another Anduril‑made sub, at the strait's entrance, claiming it had advanced mine‑countermeasure and seabed‑mapping capabilities. A fisherman from Bandar Abbas, who watched the operation, said the navy's presence had slowed his catch.
The Pentagon spokesperson clarified that the Remus 600 had malfunctioned more than a day ago, was not collecting sensitive data and was an older model lacking classified sonar or radar. US forces maintain full operational control of all drone assets, and will continue monitoring the strait. The US is preparing a briefing for Congress on maritime security in the region.