Pentagon declares Iran’s undersea forces destroyed

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran’s naval capabilities have been significantly degraded, declaring that its submarine fleet is no longer operational.

Saying that Iran’s surface fleet is no longer a factor, Hegseth stated that “their submarines – they once had 11 – are gone,” Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The vessels he referred to are midget submarines designed for operations in shallow waters, particularly in the Persian Gulf and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. These small submarines are built to evade sonar detection while deploying mines and launching torpedoes.

Earlier, Hegseth opened a Pentagon briefing with remarks focused on what he described as a “dignified transfer,” before addressing the human cost of the conflict.

He said he had spoken with families of US service members killed in the Iran war, emphasizing their determination to see the mission through.

“Hegseth said they told him through tears, through hugs, through strength and through unbreakable resolve that they wanted the US military to finish this. Honour their sacrifice. Do not waver. Do not stop until the job is done.”

“My response, along with that of the president, was simple: Of course, we will finish this. We will honour their sacrifice,” Hegseth said.

By Vafa Guliyeva