Satellite images show the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy deploying nearly 40 fast-attack boats in a coordinated patrol formation in the Strait of Hormuz [1].
The deployment targets one of the world's most vital maritime corridors, where approximately 20 percent of global energy supplies flow [2]. Any disruption in this narrow waterway could trigger immediate volatility in global oil markets and threaten international shipping security.
The boats, often referred to as a "mosquito fleet," were positioned between Qeshm Island in Iran and the United Arab Emirates [1]. The IRGC Navy used the formation as a calculated signal of strength to demonstrate its ability to threaten the chokepoint [3].
Reports on the extent of this presence vary. Some accounts suggest the fleet is locking down the waterway [4], while other reporting indicates that while the IRGC can deploy small boats to threaten shipping, it does not control the strait [3].
U.S. warships remain on alert as they monitor the movement of these vessels. The maneuver comes at a time when the broader Iranian navy is considered weakened, making the reliance on small, agile craft a strategic choice for the IRGC [3].
The coordinated patrol occurred on April 18, 2026 [3]. The use of satellite imagery has allowed international observers to track the specific positioning of the fleet in real time [1].
“Approximately 20 percent of global energy supplies flow through the Strait of Hormuz.”
The deployment of the 'mosquito fleet' illustrates Iran's asymmetric warfare strategy. By utilizing small, fast-attack craft, the IRGC can project power and create significant security risks for commercial shipping and foreign navies without needing a traditional blue-water navy. This capability allows Iran to maintain leverage over global energy transit, regardless of the operational status of its larger warships.
