US uses sea drones in combat for first time to hit Iran naval base

15-Jul-2026

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US Central Command conducted the first combat use of suicide sea drones, striking a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Iran's Bandar Abbas Naval Base to degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. 

Following the attack, President Trump announced a US-led blockade of Iran and vowed to keep the strategic Strait open, demanding payment for maritime security. Iran rejected US authority over the strait, warning against foreign intervention and blaming the US for escalating regional tensions amid rising oil prices.