Iran Deploys Small Submarines to Strait of Hormuz: Expert Highlights Detection Vulnerabilities and Regional Impact

In a recent development, Iran has claimed the deployment of small submarines, described as “invisible guardians,” to patrol the Strait of Hormuz. This move comes in the wake of several thwarted peace negotiations between Tehran and Washington, as per various reports.

While Iran’s Ghadir-class mini-submarines are perceived as potential threats to U.S. naval operations, experts note that their limited reach, firepower, and operational endurance significantly reduce their strategic effectiveness.

The news of this submarine deployment was initially reported by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency and subsequently covered by Bloomberg.

According to Iranian state media, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, the commander of Iran’s navy, announced that the deployment included light submarines, affectionately dubbed the “dolphins of the Persian Gulf.”

Iran claims that it has deployed small submarines to act as an “invisible guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz. (Vahid Reza Alaei / AFP via Getty Images, File)

It also comes as Tehran seeks to reinforce its control over the strait, now defining it as a far larger zone, Reuters reported.

“Time would be limited, probably a couple of days at the most,” defense analyst Tom Shugart told Fox News Digital about the Iranian vessel deployment.

The retired U.S. Navy submarine warfare officer also said the small diesel-electric submarines face fundamental operational constraints.

U.S. Marines aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) stand watch in the Arabian Sea during naval blockade operations against Iran. (U.S. Central Command)

“If they run their diesel engines to snorkel and recharge batteries, that could generate sound that could be detected,” Shugart said.

“Their snorkel mast projecting from the water could be detected by radars on patrol aircraft or helicopters,” Shugart added.

The submarines are said to be designed for shallow waters like the Strait of Hormuz and can operate quietly for limited periods on battery power.

“While they may be able to sit on the bottom for a while and operate somewhat quietly on their batteries for a while, they have no air-independent propulsion system (AIP) like more modern diesel-electric submarines,” Shugart said before adding that they’ll, “eventually have to come up and snorkel. This will make them more vulnerable to detection and destruction.”

A navy vessel sails in the Strait of Hormuz. (Sahar Al Attar / AFP via Getty Images)

The IRGC Navy is said to be the sole operator of this class of submarine, all of which serve in the Southern Fleet.

“Any remaining Ghadirs, if they exist and are actually deployed, may be able to 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 Ohio-class nuclear-armed submarine had arrived in Gibraltar.

“The port visit demonstrates U.S. capability, flexibility and continuing commitment to its NATO allies,” U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs said in a statement.

“Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines are undetectable launch platforms for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, providing the U.S. with its most survivable leg of the nuclear triad,” it added.

Meanwhile, Shugart’s remarks came as the 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.