Defense analyst says Iran's Ghadir-class submarines pose little threat to US Navy
The US is tightening the blockade of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz as Trump warns of firing on boats
Fox News national correspondent Bryan Llenas discusses conflicts in the Middle East and US policy toward Iran. White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt provides details on the extension of the ceasefire to the Iranian government. Bryan Llenas reports on US efforts to clear the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian mines. Former Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite emphasizes America's naval power and its importance to global commerce and conflict prevention in the Gulf.
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Iran says it has sent small submarines to act as an “invisible guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz amid a series of rejected peace deals between Tehran and the US, according to reports.
The deployment claim came as analysts said that while Iranian Ghadir-class mini-subs could threaten the US navy, the ships' limited range, firepower and endurance would hamper any real strategic impact.
The submarine deployment was highlighted by Bloomberg and first reported by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of Iran's navy, said his forces had sent a small submarine, called “dolphins to the Persian Gulf,” according to Iranian media.
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Iran says it has used 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 tighten its control over the crisis, which it now describes as a very large area, Reuters reports.
“Time will be limited, maybe a few days at most,” defense analyst Tom Shugart told Fox News Digital about the Iranian ship's deployment.
A retired US Navy officer also said that small diesel-powered submarines are facing operational constraints.
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US Marines aboard the USS New Orleans (LPD 18) stand by in the Arabian Sea during the naval blockade against Iran. (US Central Command)
“If they're running their diesel engines to snorkel and recharge the batteries, that can make an audible noise,” Shugart said.
“Their snorkel mast sticking out of the water can be seen by radars on surveillance planes or helicopters,” Shugart said.
The submarines are said to be designed for shallow waters such as the Strait of Hormuz and can operate quietly for a limited time on battery power.
“Although they may be able to sit down for a while and run quietly on their batteries for a while, they don't have an air-independent propulsion system (AIP) like modern diesel-electric submarines,” Shugart said before adding that they will, “eventually have to come and snorkel. This will make them vulnerable to detection and destruction.”
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A navy ship is sailing through the Strait of Hormuz. (Sahar Al Attar / AFP via Getty Images)
The IRGC Navy is said to be the only one operating this class of submarines, all of which operate in the Southern Fleet.
“Any remaining Ghadirs, if present and set up, could lay mines and be able to threaten merchant ships,” Shugart warned.
“But I don't see them as a major threat to US Navy warships – and certainly not to US submarines,” he said.
“But I can say for sure that I wouldn't want to leave one place right now.”
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The US Navy confirmed on May 10 that a US Navy Ohio-class nuclear-armed submarine had arrived in Gibraltar.
“The port visit demonstrates US strength, flexibility and continued commitment to its NATO allies,” the US Sixth Fleet Public Affairs said in a statement.
“Ohio's advanced ballistic missile submarines are invisible launch platforms for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, providing the US with its heaviest leg of the nuclear triad,” it added.
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Meanwhile, Shugart's comments came as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, as commercial tankers are squeezed between the ongoing war and the continued US blockade of Iranian ports.
The United Arab Emirates and South Korea reported new strikes on the blockaded ships on Wednesday, while the IRGC is increasing its rapid offensive activity, according to reports.
The president Donald Trump insisted that Iran's navy had been “totally destroyed.”
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
