Satellite Images Reveals Iran Building New Warship
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New satellite images appear to show Iran constructing a large catamaran warship at its Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval facility in Bandar Bahonar, southern Iran.
The vessel, analyzed by open-source intelligence monitors, is significantly larger and more heavily armed than many current IRGC naval assets, indicating a potential expansion of Tehran's maritime ambitions as regional tensions rise and the third round of U.S.-Iran talks approaches.
Newsweek reached out to the Pentagon and Iran's foreign ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
The emergence of this new vessel suggests Iran's intention to diversify beyond its traditional asymmetric naval strategy.
The timing is notable: it comes amid New York Times reports that Israeli officials were preparing for potential military action against Iranian assets, heightening Tehran's focus on regional deterrence. The ship's construction also coincides with resumed diplomacy—specifically, the upcoming third round of U.S.-Iran talks scheduled for Saturday.
Satellite image of Iran's IRGC naval facilities in Bandar Bahonar, southern Iran, on April 22, 2025.
Satellite image of Iran's IRGC naval facilities in Bandar Bahonar, southern Iran, on April 22, 2025.
Google Earth
What To Know
The catamaran, which may be an enlarged successor to Iran's Shahid Soleimani-class warship, could support drone or submarine capabilities, though its final role is still unclear. Although official specifications remain undisclosed, the ship's design suggests extended operational range and increased payload capacity.
Separately, a senior Iranian commander recently claimed the country has acquired "ultra-secret" advanced weaponry, underscoring broader defense modernization efforts across multiple military branches, according to state media.
Iran is building a new large trimaran-type warship in Bandar Baonar in the south of the country
At 77 m long and 24-27 m wide, it is larger than the IRGC Navy's current Shahid Soleimani-class missile corvettes (65 m long, 14.5 m wide). pic.twitter.com/ZtuZ18euaO — Sprinter Observer (@SprinterObserve) April 23, 2025
Iran's Naval Shift
Historically reliant on fast-attack craft and swarm tactics in narrow waters like the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is now exploring larger vessels. This evolution reflects experience from regional engagements, including operations involving Yemen's Houthi forces, where uncrewed boats and sea mines have been used to achieve tactical outcomes.
Military Expansion
Iran has recently accelerated the development of its defense infrastructure, including drone carriers, missile systems, and fortified underground complexes known as "missile cities."
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the country's armed forces as a "wall and shelter for the country against any aggressor," emphasizing the importance of maintaining "maximum readiness" despite the ongoing nuclear negotiations with Washington.
This image provided by Sepahnews of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard shows Iran's first drone-carrier warship in the Persian Gulf.
This image provided by Sepahnews of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard shows Iran's first drone-carrier warship in the Persian Gulf.
Sepahnews/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari, commander of Iran's Ground Force: "We possess highly advanced weapons, some of which are secret or even ultra-secret. These are extremely sophisticated systems that utilize artificial intelligence. Although still classified as conventional weapons, their capabilities are exceptional."
President Donald Trump wrote on social media, warning Iran: "Do NOT threaten the American People, their President... or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it!"
What Happens Next
The warship's intended mission and commissioning timeline remain unknown, but its development is likely to draw scrutiny from Western and regional powers as Iran advances its naval capabilities amid continued geopolitical strain.
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