Torpedoes, missiles & unmanned craft: Iran’s small-boat arsenal gets more complex for US warships

Iran has developed an extensive fleet of fast-attack boats designed to challenge larger naval forces in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Evolving from basic gunboats into missile-armed platforms, vessels such as the Zolfaghar, Ashura and Seraj can reportedly carry anti-ship missiles, torpedoes and other weapons. Some Iranian models are said to reach speeds exceeding 200 kilometres per hour. The IRGC's swarm tactics are designed to overwhelm larger warships through coordinated attacks. The naval buildup takes on added significance as Mojtaba Khamenei orders Iran's forces to prepare a forceful response to any attack, while Tehran warns U.S. ships could come under missile fire.