Iran says its small subs deployed to Strait of Hormuz as expert explains threat: ‘Vulnerable to detection’

May 13, 2026

Iran claims it has deployed small submarines as an "invisible guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz, but analyst says the vessels pose limited strategic threat.

It also comes as Tehran seeks to reinforce its control over the strait, now defining it as a far larger zone, lay mines and may be able to threaten merchant ships," Shugart warned.

"But I don’t see them as a serious threat to U.S. Navy warships — and certainly not to U.S. submarines," he said.

"But I can say for sure that I wouldn’t want to go out on one in the current environment."

The U.S. Navy confirmed May 10 that a U.S. Navy NATO allies," U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs said in a Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, with commercial tanker traffic largely choked off amid ongoing military activity and the continued U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.

The United Arab Emirates and South Korea reported new strikes on stranded vessels Wednesday, while the IRGC increased its fast-attack craft activity, according to reports.

President Donald Trump has maintained Iran’s navy is "completely obliterated."

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.