Iran has escalated tensions in the Persian Gulf by openly deploying combat submarines in the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid growing confrontation with the United States. Iranian Navy Commander Admiral Shahram Irani announced that Tehran’s “light submarines” are now operating deep beneath Gulf waters, capable of remaining hidden on the seabed for long periods and intercepting or destroying hostile vessels. The deployment comes as regional tensions soar over fears of a wider conflict involving Iran, the U.S. and Israel. Earlier, Tehran warned that it would not surrender under pressure and was fully prepared for confrontation if diplomacy failed.