Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) has reportedly attempted to capture a drone used by the US Navy to patrol the Arabian Gulf.
The US Navy alleges that the IRGCN support ship Shahid Baziar was spotted towing the Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessel (USV) late on 29 August.
The US Navy patrol coastal ship USS Thunderbolt was operating nearby and immediately responded, while a US Navy helicopter was also dispatched to the scene.
“The actions taken by US naval forces in response resulted in the IRGCN vessel disconnecting the towing line to the USV and departing the area approximately four hours later,” the US Navy said.
“IRGCN’s actions were flagrant, unwarranted and inconsistent with the behaviour of a professional maritime force.
“US naval forces remain vigilant and will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows while promoting rules-based international order throughout the region,” it added.
The US Navy said it called the Shahid Baziar by radio to identify the drone as American, a US Navy spokesperson told The Associated Press.
“Our response was one that as such made clear that this was US government property and was operating in international waters and that we had every intention to take action, if necessary,” he added.
The Saildrone Explorer USV the IRGCN attempted to confiscate is said to be equipped with sensors, radars and cameras for navigation and data collection.
The US Navy said it operates a network of manned and unmanned systems in accordance with international law.
“The integration of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence into fleet operations enhances maritime vigilance for US forces and international partners in waters across the Middle East,” it added.
The US Navy’s Middle East-based 5th Fleet announced in September 2021 that it was launching a new task force incorporating airborne, sailing and underwater drones after years of maritime attacks linked to ongoing tensions with Iran.
The 5th Fleet’s area of responsibility includes the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen.
The incident comes at an intense time for the US and Iran as they look to resume a controversial 2015 nuclear deal that could see Iran return to exporting crude to international markets.
Iran has a history of retaliatory seizures of vessels in the Arabian Gulf in an effort to gain leverage over a particular country with which it has a dispute.
In May, the Iranian military intercepted two Greece-flag suezmaxes off Iran sparking severe diplomatic protests by the government in Athens.
