Lead

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that American forces used one-way attack sea drones for the first time in combat against Iran, according to multiple reports. The strike, carried out on July 12, targeted an Iranian naval base and submarine, marking a new phase in the ongoing conflict over the Strait of Hormuz.

Coverage Comparison

The reports from ABC Australia, Al Jazeera, the Jerusalem Post, and TASS — English all confirm the first use of sea drones by the US military. ABC Australia provided the most detailed account, describing the vessels as uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) that can be loaded with more than 400 kilograms of explosives and sent on one-way missions to destroy targets without endangering the operator. Al Jazeera reported that CENTCOM published a video showing three Corsair unmanned surface vessels striking an Iranian ship maintenance facility and submarine. The Jerusalem Post noted the use of "one-way attack sea drones for the first time" in the context of a broader campaign of strikes against Iranian air-defense systems, radar sites, and missile capabilities. TASS — English, citing CENTCOM, also reported the first use of strike naval drones but provided fewer operational details.

Key Claims

  • First combat use of sea drones: CENTCOM confirmed that US forces used one-way attack sea drones for the first time in the ongoing war, according to ABC Australia, Al Jazeera, and the Jerusalem Post.
  • Strike on Bandar Abbas Naval Base: Three Corsair unmanned surface vessels hit the port at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, striking a submarine and ship maintenance facility, according to ABC Australia and Al Jazeera.
  • US naval blockade: The US announced that its naval blockade of Iran is in effect, preventing maritime traffic from leaving or entering Iranian ports, as reported by ABC Australia.
  • Iranian retaliation: Iran struck two UAE tankers, killing one crew member and injuring eight others, according to ABC Australia.
  • CENTCOM statement on Strait of Hormuz: CENTCOM reiterated that Iran "does not control" the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by TASS — English.
  • US strike campaign: The US has been increasing its strikes on Iranian targets over the past week, following Iranian attacks on oil tankers on July 6-7, according to the Jerusalem Post.
  • Task Force 59: The Jerusalem Post reported that Task Force 59 is NAVCENT’s Unmanned Systems Unit, serving as the Navy’s primary hub for integrating drones and AI-enabled maritime platforms.
  • US Navy investments: The US Navy has been building a family of unmanned surface vessels and investing in cheaper drone systems, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Perspectives

US Central Command (CENTCOM)

CENTCOM confirmed the first use of one-way attack sea drones, stating that the strikes degraded Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping. The command also reiterated that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Government (via Iranian media)

Iranian media reported that the Iranian army launched drone strikes at US positions at Azraq base in Jordan and said it would continue drone operations against US bases until its "final victory." This was reported by ABC Australia.

Saronic (manufacturer)

Saronic, the manufacturer of the Corsair drone boat, confirmed that its Corsairs were used in the operation, describing the vessel as autonomous and capable of carrying up to 1,000 pounds (453 kilograms) and traveling up to 1,000 nautical miles, according to ABC Australia.

Qatar (de-escalation efforts)

The Jerusalem Post reported that Qatar is seeking to get both sides to de-escalate, amid the cycle of nightly US strikes and Iranian responses.