US: All 11 of Iran submarines have been destroyed

WASHINGTON: Saying that Iran's "surface fleet is no longer a factor," US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said that "their submarines - they once had 11 - are gone." The craft Hegseth referenced are "midget" submarines designed to work in shallow waters in the Persian Gulf and its narrow mouth, the Strait of Hormuz. The small vessels are designed to evade sonar as they lay mines and fire torpedoes. Earlier, Hegseth opened Pentagon briefing with remarks about dignified transfer. Hegseth said he told families of service members killed in the war that US forces "will finish this."