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Iran's Fast Boats Threaten Strait of Hormuz Shipping

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Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps operates a formidable speedboat fleet in the Strait of Hormuz that poses a significant threat to maritime traffic. These vessels, capable of exceeding 115 miles per hour, operate separately from Iran's regular navy and have earned the nickname "mosquito fleet" from U.S. officials. The fleet represents a disruptive force in one of the world's most critical oil shipping chokepoints.

These fast-attack boats can swarm larger vessels and create dangerous situations for commercial shipping. The Revolutionary Guard's maritime forces have grown increasingly sophisticated, using speed and maneuverability to compensate for their size disadvantage against larger naval vessels. Their operations in the narrow Persian Gulf waterway have raised concerns among international shipping companies and military planners alike.

The fleet's capabilities have evolved significantly since Iran's 1979 revolution, when the Revolutionary Guard was established as a parallel military force. Today, these speedboats represent a low-cost but high-impact tool for Iran to project power and potentially disrupt global oil supplies. Their presence in the Strait of Hormuz continues to challenge international maritime security efforts.