IRGC Spokesman Says Iran Recovered A U.S. AUV In The Strait Of Hormuz. Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohebbi announced on X that the IRGC recovered what it identified as a Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish — an advanced AUV equipped with sonar and precision navigation — calling the seizure the group's "second catch." The IRGC described the strait as a "hunting ground" for its navy and called the recovery an "intelligence windfall." No immediate comment was available from U.S. officials.
IRGC Says It Seized Second U.S. AUV In Strait Of Hormuz, Calls Waterway A 'Hunting Ground'
A US one-way attack surface drone approaches its target, a submarine and ship maintenance facility according to US Central Command, in Bandar Abbas, Iran, in this screengrab taken from a video, which was released July 13, 2026. (photo credit: US CENTRAL COMMAND/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it recovered a U.S. autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday evening, according to a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) by IRGC spokesperson Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohebbi.
Identification and Capabilities: Mohebbi identified the recovered craft as a Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish — an advanced autonomous underwater vehicle reportedly fitted with sonar and precision navigation systems and valued at several million dollars. He described the seizure as the IRGC's "second catch."
"The Strait of Hormuz is not only open, but a hunting ground for the IRGC Navy targeting American submarines," Mohebbi said. "It's not just a hunt; it's an intelligence windfall."
Context and Implications: The IRGC framed the recovery as both a tactical success and an intelligence opportunity. If the vehicle is confirmed to be a U.S. Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish, analysts say any recovered systems could offer technical or operational insights. The report did not provide independent verification of the craft's origin or condition.
There was no immediate comment from U.S. officials. The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf and follows previous incidents involving naval and unmanned systems in the area.
This is a developing story.
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