U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s navy was nearly wiped out in recent conflicts, yet he overlooks a crucial fact: the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy remains intact and poses a threat to maritime traffic, especially in the Strait of Hormuz. This smaller naval force employs agile speedboats hidden along Iran’s coastline. While the U.S. military has made efforts to target these fast boats, they’ve only managed to sink about half so far.
Using its speedy vessels armed with missile systems and drones, the IRGC has been enforcing a blockade through the Strait, critical for global oil supply. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes through this narrow passage.
The fleet’s exact size is unclear, with estimates ranging from hundreds to thousands. The New York Times described these boats as “small, fast, and agile,” allowing quick escapes after strikes. Saeid Golkar, a political scientist at the University of Tennessee, noted that the IRGC operates in a guerrilla manner, focusing on hit-and-run tactics rather than direct naval confrontations.
Historically, the IRGC Navy emerged during the Iran-Iraq War when the regular navy hesitated to attack vessels associated with Iraq’s allies. The U.S. responded by sending warships to escort tankers, leading to confrontations like the sinking of USS Samuel B. Roberts in 1988. This prompted the U.S. to launch Operation Praying Mantis, resulting in the destruction of several Iranian naval vessels.
The IRGC Navy has about 50,000 members and operates from 38 islands in the Gulf. It has built ten fortified bases for its fast boats, preparing for potential confrontations with U.S. forces. Farzin Nadimi from the Washington Institute explained that the IRGC sees itself as a frontline force against the “Great Satan,” a term for the U.S., resulting in continual friction in the Gulf.
In recent 2023 developments, U.S. Navy ships have avoided the Strait, recognizing the potential for “swarm attacks” by IRGC vessels. Even though such an incident hasn’t occurred yet, tensions remain high, showcasing the threats posed by the IRGC’s speedboats.
These encounters between U.S. ships and Iranian boats have often resembled a game of cat-and-mouse. U.S. warships have had to navigate these waters carefully, especially after incidents like the 2016 seizure of two U.S. boats by the IRGC.
The ongoing situation emphasizes the complexities at play in the Strait of Hormuz and reminds us of the deep-rooted historical and political layers that make diplomacy in this region so challenging.
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