Iran shifts to fast-boat tactics as maritime tensions escalate near Strait of Hormuz

Tensions in the Gulf region have escalated after reports that Iran has increasingly relied on fast-attack boats to intercept commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, despite earlier claims that its naval capabilities had been significantly weakened.

According to maritime security assessments and statements cited by Reuters, Iranian forces recently used swarms of small, heavily armed boats to seize two container ships in operations described as highly coordinated and asymmetric. The incidents have raised fresh doubts about claims that US strikes had effectively neutralised Iran’s naval power.

US President Donald Trump stated that while Iran’s conventional navy had been “largely destroyed,” its fast-moving boats were still operational and capable of carrying out disruptive maritime actions. He warned that any such vessels approaching US-enforced blockades would be “immediately eliminated,” referencing prior US naval actions in other regions.

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Security analysts say Iran’s strategy now relies heavily on asymmetric warfare, combining fast boats with shore-based missiles, drones, and electronic interference to create uncertainty in key shipping lanes. The Strait of Hormuz, which handles nearly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, remains a critical choke point for international trade.

Experts note that Iran previously possessed hundreds of these small vessels, many of which can operate from concealed coastal locations. While some have reportedly been destroyed in recent conflicts, a substantial number are believed to remain in service.

Maritime security firms warn that commercial shipping companies are ill-equipped to counter such fast, coordinated boarding operations, which typically involve around a dozen boats. However, analysts also note operational limits, including weather conditions and vulnerability to air power and naval counterattacks.

The renewed use of these tactics underscores the ongoing volatility in the region and suggests that despite ceasefire efforts, maritime security risks remain elevated, with potential implications for global energy markets and shipping insurance costs.