Iran Unveils New Underground Naval Base

The Iranian navy revealed a new underground naval base at an undisclosed location in the Persian Gulf on January 18. State TV showed Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Chief Commander Hossein Salami visiting the facility during war games, saying it is meant for vessels capable of launching long-range missiles. The new naval base was revealed just days prior to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, after which tensions between Washington and Iran are expected to increase.

Newsweek has reached out to the Iranian Mission to the United Nations and the Trump transition team for comment via email outside of business hours.

Iranian naval troops standing on the Zagros ship in the Gulf of Oman, photographed on January 15, 2025. Iran's navy recently unveiled a new naval base at an undisclosed location in the Persian Gulf. Uncredited, Iranian Army/Associated Press

Why It Matters

Iran's unveiling of a new naval base is significant as it indicates that they are preparing for direct conflict with regional enemies, and possibly ones abroad. Moreover, the fact that the naval base is meant to house vessels capable of launching long-range missiles signifies that Tehran is planning to conduct more long-distance strikes. The announcement of this new base just before Trump's inauguration is also important to note, as it appears to be Iran's way of sending a message to the incoming administration regarding relation between the two countries.

What To Know

The base, built at a depth of 500 meters (546 yards), is comprised of tunnels with long rows, which are said to be a new version of Taregh-class radar-evading speedboats that can launch cruise missiles. Iran's unveiling of the new naval base came just three days before the inauguration of Trump, who previously said he would bring back his "maximum pressure" campaign in an effort to bankrupt Tehran's ability to produce nuclear weapons and provide funds for regional allies. Another reason for the predicted increase in tension between the U.S. and Iran is that Tehran is reportedly concerned that Trump will support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in striking Iranian nuclear facilities, according to Iran International.

Tehran's military activity has increased in the last two months as the IRGC has been participating in military exercises, some of which include war games where soldiers defend nuclear installations in Natanz against mock attacks by missiles and drones. Iran has also recently received a delivery of 1,000 domestically produced drones with a range of more than 1,200 miles, which are known for their "advanced anti-fortification and stealth capabilities."

The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, headquartered at Bandar Abbas on the southern coast of the country, has previously boasted about its weapons stock amid increasing tensions with the U.S. During Trump's first term, Iran's navy said its missile-equipped fleet of fast attack craft could take out advanced U.S. warships, although some have dismissed these claims.

What People Are Saying

Salami said: "We assure the great nation of Iran that their young people are capable of coming out honorable and victorious from a battle on the seas against enemies big and small."

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, John Spencer, the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, wrote: "Footage reportedly of an Iranian underground naval base. Interesting timing. Clock ticking on the Islamic regime in Iran. #undergroundwarfare."

What Happens Next

How Iran will utilize this new naval base and the cruise missiles stored in it against regional foes or the U.S. remains to be seen.