Why Iran Loves Its New Mini-Submarine Tehran likes to have smaller subs for its special operations forces or ones that can loiter near its shores. Key point: Iran is not a major naval power. However, it does know how to make due with less and still punch way above its weight. Iran just released images of some new naval equipment—including an odd-looking submarine that just might be unmanned. Testing 1, 2, 3 The Islamic Republic News Agency’s English-language segment just released a set of photos showing what appears to be new Iranian naval equipment. The photos, released on Thursday, appear to show several types of fast boats that Iran favors in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, as well as a rather odd assortment of submarines or semi-submersibles.