US confirms underwater drone malfunctioned as Iran claims it seized vessel

Published September 8, 2026 4:22pm ET



U.S. Central Command on Tuesday confirmed an underwater drone malfunctioned while operating near Iran. The confirmation came after Tehran said the country’s Revolutionary Guard seized an unmanned drone in the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM spokesman Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins said in a statement that the submarine drone’s operational mishap occurred “more than a day ago” and noted that the vessel did not have sensitive information or equipment onboard.

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