Iran has been vocal about closing the Strait of Hormuz and has recently been conducting large-scale naval exercises in the region. Key insights from our analysis: – Strategic geography: Iran’s control of the Gulf islands and coastal areas enhances its operational capability. – Asymmetric warfare tactics: Iran leverages fast attack boats, unmanned aerial vehicles, mines, and swarm strategies to challenge superior naval forces. – Advanced arsenal: Anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, and over 1,000 unmanned aerial vehicles bolster Iran’s deterrence. – Special forces operations: The elite S.N.S.F. division of the Revolutionary Guards can conduct sabotage, intelligence, and vessel capture operations throughout the Gulf. – Dual naval structure: Cooperation between the Revolutionary Guards and the army fleet expands the range of operations beyond traditional areas. The threat is not theoretical – it is embedded in Iran’s regional strategy.
