Escalating maritime security threats in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz

Attacks on commercial vessels and oil tankers in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz are increasingly involving the use of unmanned surface and underwater vehicles. Recent reports from Reuters, Ambrey, and RUSI highlight the use of kamikaze-style surface drones designed to impact ship hulls. In February 2024, the U.S. Central Command confirmed the destruction of an uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) in Houthi-controlled waters. Shortly before this, U.S. authorities reported the seizure of an Iranian weapons shipment containing components for both UUVs and surface vessels. USNI News and analyst H. I. Sutton have directly linked these technologies to Iranian origin, noting the emergence of torpedo-like, one-way attack underwater drones. These underwater systems are designed to approach targets stealthily and strike vulnerable points near the waterline. While surface drones are frequently utilized, experts express significant long-term concern regarding the threat posed by these underwater capabilities, particularly against static targets.