How Iran once again stopped US from violating its borders

The incident took place in the narrow yet strategically important Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most crucial energy chokepoint that is bordered continuously by Iran and Iranian islands. It was publicized by the commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, Admiral Shahram Irani, and hysterically denied by the US side which had just days before bragged about sending the same nuclear-powered submarine to the region to “counter Iranian influence” in a show of force after being left on the sidelines as the Chinese-brokered rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia surprised many in the world and promised a new era of peace and stability. 

Though no exact dates have been given, it is believed that the incident took place sometime last week when the Iranian submarine, Fateh, detected the USS Florida, an Ohio-class nuclear-powered submarine while it was attempting to enter the Persian Gulf submerged and in secret.

“This submarine, using all its modern-day capacities, was doing its best to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in total silence when it was detected by Fateh Submarine,” Irani said in an April 20 interview with the state TV.

The commander said that Fateh had conducted maneuvers to force the American submarine to surface and to travel through the strait while on the surface.

He added that the American submarine was approaching Iran’s territorial waters, adding that the vessel changed its path after Iranian warning and left the area while being escorted by other boats.

The strong currents of the Strait of Hormuz provide a ideal noisy background that help conceal the sound of propulsion systems, making it even more difficult to detect a modern submarine.

In the past years US submarines in the region have been involved in dangerous collisions with civilian and other military vessels due to reckless behavior and poor training.

Designed and built by Iran and commissioned in February 2019, Fateh (IRIS 920) is the lead boat of her class and represents a milestone in Iran’s self-sufficiency efforts.

According to recent reports three more vessels of the class are currently in the fitting-out phase and will soon join Iran’s southern fleets.

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