U.S. Official: Iran Tested 'Suicide Drones' in the Sea of Oman

A U.S. official in the Middle East stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran tested a suicide drone against a target in the Sea of Oman and fired another missile or drone without prior warning to ships. According to Reuters, this official, citing U.S. intelligence, said the drone was launched on Wednesday from the Jask area of Iran, traveling 8 to 9 miles towards the sea - within Iranian territorial waters - towards a 'dhow' or 'barge' (a type of flat-bottomed vessel designed for cargo transport). The official indicated that Iran was essentially practicing striking commercial vessels. He noted that this was the 'only reason' for such actions in the Sea of Oman. The United States has accused the Islamic Republic of being involved in multiple attacks against commercial ships in the strategic waters of the Persian Gulf since 2019. The Persian Gulf is one of the most important oil and shipping routes in the world. Iran occasionally tests explosive or suicide drones and broadcasts images of these tests. The U.S. official mentioned that the nearest commercial ship was about 30 miles away from the barge, but the Islamic Republic's actions were still dangerous. Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, accused the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday, June 1, of turning commercial ships into platforms for launching missiles, drones, and transferring commandos. He stated that Iran's goal is to expand its covert maritime influence beyond the Persian Gulf. Israel: Iran has turned commercial ships into 'floating terrorist bases'. Iran in Western media: The IRGC is a 'state within a state' and has control over key industries. The Pentagon expressed doubt about claims of Tehran's acquisition of hypersonic missiles. The U.S. Navy prevented the IRGC from seizing one of its unmanned vessels. Opinion | An imminent threat of a nuclear crisis with Iran. The IRGC's claim about 'U.S. attempts' to seize an oil tanker carrying Iranian oil; U.S. officials: It is not true. Israel named an IRGC commander as responsible for the attack on the 'Mercer Street' ship. The New York Times: A U.S. cyberattack has hindered the IRGC's ability to track ships.