Iran’s Zolfaghar Semi-Submersible Attack Boats Pose a Potential Threat in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Zolfaghar Semi-Submersible Attack Boats Pose a Potential Threat in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy operates small, semi-submersible attack boats designed to approach targets at high speed before partially submerging to reduce their exposure.

One such platform, known as the Zolfaghar or Kajami class, is reported to reach speeds of around 40 knots on the surface and carry two 324 mm lightweight torpedo tubes. Its compact size and ability to operate close to the waterline make it suited to the confined waters of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Unlike conventional submarines, these craft are not designed for sustained underwater operations. Their reported concept of operation involves a fast surface approach followed by a brief, shallow submerged phase before an attack.

Iran’s broader naval strategy relies heavily on asymmetric warfare, combining small attack boats, anti-ship missiles, mines and shore-based weapons to complicate the operations of larger naval forces

However, the Zolfaghar name is also used for other Iranian craft, including surface missile boats. Technical specifications must therefore be distinguished by vessel type, and claims about stealth performance or the ability to destroy larger warships should not be treated as guaranteed combat outcomes

In the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, even small attack craft can add another layer of uncertainty for naval forces and commercial shipping operating in narrow, congested waters.