Iran's Asymmetrical War /Alastair Crooke & Lt Col Daniel Davis

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Iran’s naval strategy is based on asymmetric warfare, not a traditional Western-style navy. Instead of large warships, Iran relies on coastal missiles, submersible drones, fast attack boats, and 25–35 mini-submarines capable of launching anti-ship missiles. These systems make the Strait of Hormuz difficult to defend and allow Iran to threaten oil tankers and military vessels. Even occasional successful attacks could frighten commercial shipping and effectively shut the strait.

Because the strait is only about 21 km wide near Iran, Iranian artillery, missiles, and naval drones could control the passage. Protecting tankers would require large convoy operations and possibly ground forces securing vast coastal territory, something analysts say would be extremely difficult.

The discussion argues that Iran’s strategy focuses on long-term disruption and logistics, while the U.S. and its allies expected a short war. Rising oil prices show the economic pressure building. Iran may also expand the conflict through allies such as the Houthis, potentially threatening alternative oil routes in the Red Sea.

Overall, the argument is that Iran planned for a prolonged asymmetric conflict, aiming to strain Western logistics, global energy markets, and political pressure rather than win through conventional military battles.