Iran Is Using Tiny ‘Mosquito’ Boats to Shut Down the Strait of Hormuz

Iran is leaning on asymmetric naval tactics in the Strait of Hormuz, using swarms of small armed boats, missiles, machine guns, and drones.

The IRGC’s “mosquito boat” strategy can harass, seize, or disrupt large commercial vessels even after damage to Iran’s regular fleet.

Analysts say the approach has already interfered with container ships and tankers and could effectively close the waterway despite Iran’s limited conventional naval power.

Because the strait is a vital global oil and shipping chokepoint, this raises the risk of major economic disruption and military escalation.