The U.S. military has largely destroyed Iran's conventional navy, but the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' fleet remains intact and continues to control the strategic Strait of Hormuz. While Tehran's regular navy operated large battleships primarily for prestige and long-range deployments, the Revolutionary Guard maintains a nimble force of fast-attack boats specifically designed for the waterway's narrow confines.

These paramilitary vessels carry missiles, mines, and conduct harassment operations against commercial shipping. Their smaller size and coastal positioning make them significantly harder to target compared to the larger warships of Iran's regular navy. The Guard's maritime force has proven more resilient to U.S. strikes, maintaining its ability to disrupt oil tanker traffic through the crucial shipping lane.

This division between Iran's two naval forces highlights a strategic vulnerability in U.S. military operations. Despite inflicting heavy losses on Iran's conventional maritime capabilities, American forces have been unable to neutralize the paramilitary fleet that poses the greatest threat to global energy supplies. The Guard's continued control of Hormuz ensures Tehran retains significant leverage over international oil markets.