Iran’s Fast-Attack Craft Escorts Active in the Strait of Hormuz; Over 80 Boats Deployed in the Last 24 Hours

London – Satellite imagery and intelligence reports indicate that Iran has deployed fleets of high-speed boats to secure the passage of vessels transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

According to details released on Sunday by London-based maritime analytics firm Windward, a bulk carrier was observed sailing through the strait with what appeared to be an escort formation of high-speed craft nearby, suggesting that Iran is putting security arrangements in place.

The company’s monitoring data shows that on Saturday alone, more than 80 high-speed craft were moving northward in five distinct formations. The same day, six vessels entered the Gulf via the strait — including two very large crude carriers, two bulk carriers and two oil tankers — while one very large crude carrier exited the Gulf.

A report published by the Financial Times on Saturday stated that Iran maintains hundreds of fast-attack craft dispersed along its southern coastline, concealed in coves, caves and tunnels. It added that “the flotilla of small boats has faced off against the might of the US Navy,” playing an integral role in what the report described as an effective blockade that has strained global energy flows and increased pressure on the United States.