Iran Unveils Underground Naval Base

On January 18, 2025, Iran unveiled the underground naval base built by the Revolutionary Guard Corps via state television. The opening came just two days before the start of the second term of US President Donald Trump. Built in a Gulf region that Iran did not disclose, the base stands out as a major strategic step.

DETAILS OF THE BASE

Revolutionary Guard Commander General Hossein Salami visited the secret base during the opening ceremony, noting that the facility is one of several underground bases built for ships capable of launching long-range missiles. “We are giving the great Iranian nation assurance that its youth will be able to fight honorably at sea against enemies big and small,” Salami said, emphasizing the strength of his country’s defense capacity.

Iranian state television reported that the base was built at a depth of 500 meters in the Gulf, and showed new versions of the Taregh-class boats capable of launching cruise missiles. It said the base had long rows of tunnels and represented only a fraction of the IRGC's overall defense capacity.

STRATEGIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL POWER

The Commander of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, General Hossein Salami, stated that the boats and missile systems are becoming more prepared, and emphasized the importance of patrolling the Persian Gulf and defending Iran's maritime borders. He also stated that in recent years, the Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has made significant technological advances in its offensive systems.

IRAN’S NEW BORDER SECURITY TOOLS

In addition, the Iranian Navy received its first signal intelligence ship on January 15, 2025. The new ship, named “Zagros,” is equipped with electronic sensors and is capable of blocking cyber operations and tracking intelligence. “The Zagros signal intelligence ship will be the Iranian Navy’s watchdog at sea,” said Iranian Navy Commander Shahram Irani. In addition, Iran is planning to open a large military base in the strategic Jask region on the Gulf of Oman coast.

Iran’s underground naval base and new signals intelligence ship stand out as important steps towards strengthening the country’s defense capacity. These developments show that Iran is gaining more independence and power in its military strategies, especially at a time when tensions with the United States and Israel are increasing. These innovative steps in Iran’s naval power and defense systems could significantly affect security dynamics in the region.