(SeaPRwire) –   Iran has announced the deployment of small submarines to serve as an “invisible guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz, amid a series of rejected peace agreements between Tehran and the U.S., according to reports.

The claim of submarine deployment emerged as analysts noted that while Iran’s Ghadir-class mini-submarines could pose a threat to U.S. naval forces, their limited range, firepower, and endurance would significantly reduce any meaningful strategic effect.

Bloomberg highlighted the submarine deployment, which was first reported by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, head of Iran’s navy, stated that his forces had deployed light submarines, described by Iranian state media as the “dolphins of the Persian Gulf.”

The move also coincides with Tehran’s efforts to strengthen its control over the strait, now defined as a much broader zone, Reuters reported.

“Time would be limited—probably no more than a few days at most,” defense analyst Tom Shugart told Digital regarding the Iranian submarine deployment.

The retired U.S. Navy submarine warfare officer also pointed out that the small diesel-electric submarines face significant operational limitations.

“If they use their diesel engines to snorkel and recharge batteries, that could produce noise detectable by sonar,” Shugart said.

“Their snorkel masts extending above the water could also be spotted by radar on patrol aircraft or helicopters,” he added.

Designed for shallow waters such as the Strait of Hormuz, these submarines can operate quietly for short durations using battery power.

“While they may be able to remain submerged on the seabed for a time and run quietly on batteries, they lack an air-independent propulsion system (AIP) found in more advanced diesel-electric submarines,” Shugart explained, noting that they would “eventually need to surface and snorkel, making them more susceptible to detection and attack.”

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy is reportedly the only operator of this submarine class, all of which are part of the Southern Fleet.

“Any remaining Ghadir-class submarines, if they exist and are actively deployed, might be capable of laying mines or threatening merchant vessels,” Shugart cautioned.

“However, I don’t consider them a serious threat to U.S. Navy warships—let alone to U.S. submarines,” he said.

“That said, I certainly wouldn’t want to be aboard one in the current climate.”

On May 10, the U.S. Navy confirmed that an Ohio-class nuclear-powered submarine armed with ballistic missiles had arrived in Gibraltar.

“The port visit underscores U.S. naval capability, flexibility, and ongoing commitment to NATO allies,” stated U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs.

“Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines serve as undetectable launch platforms for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, forming the most survivable component of the U.S. nuclear triad,” the statement added.

Shugart’s comments came as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut down, with commercial tanker traffic largely halted due to ongoing military operations and the continued U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.

The United Arab Emirates and South Korea reported new attacks on stranded ships on Wednesday, while the IRGC stepped up activity with fast-attack craft, according to reports.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that Iran’s navy is “completely destroyed.”

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to Digital’s request for comment.