Iran's Revolutionalry Guards 'mosquito fleet' is a serious threat in the Strait of Ho

Key Points:

• Despite claims by U.S. President Trump about the near destruction of Iran’s navy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval force remains active and poses a significant threat in the Strait of Hormuz using small, fast boats hidden in fortified coastal bases.
• The IRGC navy employs asymmetrical guerrilla tactics with fast, agile boats armed with missiles or drones, capable of hit-and-run attacks, making them difficult for the U.S. military to detect and neutralize, contributing to ongoing disruptions in the strategic oil passage.
• Iran has intermittently closed the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict, impacting global oil prices, with the IRGC enforcing blockades using these fast boats and concealed launch sites, responding directly to U.S. naval actions and statements.
• The IRGC Navy, established during the Iran-Iraq War, has evolved from converted civilian boats to purpose-built vessels, including mini-submarines and drone carriers, maintaining a robust force of about 50,000 personnel across multiple strategic zones and islands.
• Historical encounters between U.S. and IRGC naval forces have been characterized by provocative maneuvers and occasional confrontations, such as the 2016 seizure of U.S. sailors, underscoring the persistent tension and the IRGC Navy’s role as a frontline force against U.S. presence in the Gulf.