14/10/2026
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14/10/2026
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WASHINGTON/TEHRAN, Oct 14: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has begun using unarmed spotters in small boats to identify potential targets, including US naval vessels, following US strikes that destroyed much of Iran's radar capabilities, Reuters reported, citing a US military official.
The official said US forces encountered a traditional dhow last week that Iranian spotters were allegedly using to identify targets and relay their locations to the IRGC.
US forces ordered the occupants to abandon the vessel before destroying it, the official said, adding that there were no casualties.
The incident, which had not previously been reported, comes amid an intensification of maritime attacks and restrictions affecting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters.
Iran Reportedly Changes Maritime Tactics
Two senior Iranian officials told Reuters that Tehran had adopted different offensive tactics against vessels it considers to be violating its restrictions on maritime traffic.
One official said the change began about 10 days ago and had contributed to an increase in attacks. The new approach involves changes in both the types and frequency of operations, the officials said.
According to the officials, one objective is to influence the outcome of the US midterm elections in November by frustrating Washington's efforts to bring down global oil prices.
One official said the strategy was intended to undermine US and allied efforts to ease pressure on energy markets.
The officials said the decision had been taken at the highest levels of Iran's leadership and coordinated across the country's ruling system.
Their account of Tehran's objectives and decision-making was not independently verified by Reuters.
Operations May Expand Beyond Hormuz
The two Iranian officials also said Tehran intended to extend maritime operations beyond the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman and waters farther afield.
Maritime security assessments cited in the Reuters report suggested that the threat may already be extending beyond the strait, with vessels reportedly targeted in waters off Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The officials said Iran was moving towards a situation in which vessels deemed to be violating its restrictions would no longer be able to transit the strait.
“It will be complete closure soon,” one of the officials said.
The statement signals the possibility of further disruption to commercial shipping in one of the world's most strategically important maritime corridors.
Shipping and Oil Markets Face Further Risks
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for international energy shipments. Any further restrictions or attacks on commercial vessels could disrupt oil and gas supplies, raise shipping and insurance costs, and increase volatility in global energy markets.
The United States has continued applying military and economic pressure on Iran, including a naval blockade of Iranian ports and additional sanctions, as Washington seeks an agreement to end the conflict.
The reported use of small-boat spotters could complicate maritime surveillance and force naval forces and commercial shipping operators to reassess security risks in the region.
However, the details of the alleged dhow incident, the full scope of Iran's new tactics and the reported plans for a wider maritime campaign remain based on accounts from officials cited by Reuters.
