Overview
- Iran added the warship Sahand and the Makran-class floating base Kordestan to its fleet during weekend ceremonies in Bandar Abbas attended by senior commanders.
- State media describe Kordestan as supporting multi-year, long-range missions and heavy helicopters, alongside newly presented missile-equipped speedboats, UAVs, USVs, and upgraded electronic and surveillance systems.
- The Sahand frigate returned to service after capsizing during 2024 repairs and is presented with anti-ship and air-defense missiles, torpedoes, advanced EW gear, and a helicopter deck.
- Naval leaders say escorts for Iranian vessels now operate worldwide, with task forces engaged in joint exercises in the Far East and off Africa, and a sister ship, Khuzestan, planned for commissioning.
- The IRGC said it seized an Eswatini-flagged tanker near the Strait of Hormuz on fuel-smuggling allegations, a claim Eswatini disputes by saying the ship used its flag without authorization.