US ‘Destroyed’ Iran’s Navy, Then How Is It Still Controlling Hormuz? Tehran's ‘Two Navies’ Status Explained

Last Updated:April 12, 2026, 17:49 IST

Iran's ‘Two Navies’ and which one controls Strait of Hormuz, explained

In the six-week United States-Iran conflict, the US military claimed it had “destroyed most of Tehran’s conventional navy". Despite that, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continues to exert significant control over the Strait of Hormuz.

How does that work? News18 explains the two navies status.

What is Iran’s ‘two navies’ status?

The Regular Navy (Artesh)

Described as the “prestige" fleet, its larger surface vessels and frigates were the primary targets of U.S. strikes. US Central Command (CENTCOM) claims to have sunk more than 155 Iranian vessels as of April 6, including the sophisticated stealth catamaran IRIS Shahid Sayyad Shirazi and the frigate IRIS Dena.

Analysts estimate Iran has lost 80% to 90% of this conventional naval capacity.

The Revolutionary Guard Navy (IRGC)

This paramilitary fleet relies on an asymmetrical strategy using small, nimble fast-attack boats, waterborne drones, and sea mines.

More than 60% of this fleet remains intact and functional. These smaller craft are harder to target and are purposefully designed for the narrow, congested waters of the Strait, according to the Wall Street Journal and other reports.

What is the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz?

Despite a ceasefire agreed upon on April 8, the Strait remains “effectively closed". The IRGC has imposed a “country-by-country permission system," requiring ships to coordinate through them and, in some cases, charging tolls exceeding $1 million per ship.

On April 11, the US Navy began its first “freedom of navigation" operations since the war started, deploying destroyers like the USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy to clear naval mines.

The disruption has caused global oil prices to soar past $100 per barrel. Shipping traffic through the waterway is currently at less than 10% of normal volumes.

Iran continues to issue warnings that any U.S. vessel entering the Strait will be attacked within 30 minutes, nearly leading to a clash on April 11 when a U.S. destroyer reportedly turned back before two others eventually made the transit.

KEY FAQs

What did the US actually “sink"?

It mostly destroyed Iran’s regular navy (large warships), not all its forces.

Which navy is still active?

The IRGC Navy, using small boats, drones, and mines for asymmetric attacks.

How can Iran still control Hormuz?

By threatening and disrupting ships in the narrow strait, even without big warships.

News explainers US ‘Destroyed’ Iran’s Navy, Then How Is It Still Controlling Hormuz? Tehran's ‘Two Navies’ Status Explained

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