Iran has confirmed it seized an underwater drone deployed by the United States in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global oil trade. The incident occurred as tensions between the US and Iran continue to rise in the region. The drone, which was operating in international waters, was intercepted by Iranian forces, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff.

The move comes amid heightened military activity in the Gulf, with Iran urging its allies to protect commercial vessels from potential attacks. A former commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that decades of preparation have gone into defending the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the strategic importance of the waterway. The US has not yet commented on the incident, but the event has raised concerns about the stability of the region.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has announced plans to diversify its energy exports and trade routes to avoid being affected by the growing conflict. The UAE is building alternative infrastructure to ensure its economic interests are not disrupted by the escalating tensions between Iran and the US. The situation remains volatile, with both sides closely monitoring developments in the strategic chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz.