Iran naval strategy explained how midget submarines might be the next threat troubling US Navy in Strait of Hormuz

As the Middle East conflict enters its 23rd straight day, the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most perilous flashpoints in the region. While airstrikes and surface attacks dominate headlines, Iran may be relying on another, far less visible weapon, its fleet of midget submarines.

These submarines may not be as massive or powerful as those operated by the US Navy, but in the narrow and shallow waters of the Strait, they could punch well above their weight, posing a serious challenge to even the most advanced naval forces.

The US has deployed A-10 attack aircraft and Apache helicopters over the Strait of Hormuz, targeting Iranian speedboats and underground weapons facilities. These operations aim to weaken Iran’s ability to disrupt maritime traffic and ensure the safe passage of oil tankers.


However, analysts warn that the most serious threat may not come from visible targets, but from submarines operating undetected underwater.

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Why the Strait of Hormuz matters for global trade

The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, carries nearly 20 per cent of global energy supplies. Any disruption in this narrow waterway can trigger immediate global consequences, including rising oil prices and supply shortages.

Iran’s geographic position along the Strait has enabled it to develop strategies aimed at controlling or disrupting maritime movement in the region.

Ghadir-class midget submarines at the centre of Iran’s strategy

At the core of Iran’s naval capability are its Ghadir-class midget submarines. These vessels measure about 29 metres in length and weigh around 120 tonnes, making them much smaller than conventional submarines.

Their compact size allows them to operate in shallow waters, as little as 30 metres deep, which matches the average depth of key shipping channels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is believed to operate up to 10 such submarines, designed specifically for stealth operations in confined waters.

Stealth advantage in shallow and crowded waters

The Ghadir-class submarines are difficult to detect due to their small size and the naturally noisy environment of the Strait, created by heavy commercial shipping and offshore activity.

In contrast, the US Ohio-class nuclear submarines are significantly larger, measuring about 170 metres and weighing nearly 18,750 tonnes, making them less suited for such shallow environments.

This contrast highlights Iran’s focus on asymmetric naval warfare, using smaller platforms optimised for the geography of the Gulf.

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Mine-laying capability seen as biggest risk

While these submarines can launch torpedoes, experts believe their most dangerous capability is laying naval mines.

Even a small number of mines can disrupt shipping routes for extended periods. Clearing them is a slow and complex process, which can effectively block vessel movement through the Strait for weeks.

Iran has spent decades studying the Gulf’s geography and training its naval forces in these waters, enhancing the effectiveness of such operations.

Other submarines in Iran’s naval arsenal

In addition to the Ghadir-class, Iran operates Fateh-class submarines, which weigh around 600 tonnes and are equipped with improved sensors for operations in deeper waters.

Iran also fields Russian-built Kilo-class submarines, including Taregh, Yunes and Nooh, which are more powerful but less effective in shallow waters. Other platforms include the Nahang midget submarine and specialised systems such as the e-Ghavasi and Al-Sabehat swimmer delivery vehicles for covert operations.

Speedboats, drones and missiles complement naval strategy

Iran’s naval doctrine also relies on fast-attack vessels operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, designed to use swarm tactics against larger ships in confined waters.

The fleet includes advanced platforms such as the Zulfaghar-class boats equipped with air defence systems, as well as unconventional systems like the Bavar-2 flying boat, which can skim above the water to increase speed and reduce radar detection.

Iran has also deployed a wide range of anti-ship missile systems along its coastline. Short-range missiles such as Kowsar and Nasr-1 can target nearby vessels, while longer-range cruise missiles like the Abu Mahdi extend strike capability up to 1,000 kilometres.

Additionally, anti-ship ballistic missiles such as Gulf and Hormuz-2 are designed to strike moving vessels using satellite guidance.

Naval mines could be Iran's strongest weapon

Despite its range of platforms, experts believe Iran’s most effective weapon may be its stockpile of naval mines, as per TOI.

These include contact, magnetic, acoustic and pressure mines, some designed to specifically target large commercial vessels. Even limited deployment could halt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and take weeks to clear, severely impacting global trade.

Underwater warfare remains a critical challenge

While US forces continue to target visible threats, the underwater dimension of the conflict remains a major challenge. Submarines and mines are far harder to detect and neutralise, giving Iran the ability to disrupt global shipping routes without engaging in direct large-scale naval battles.