The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route, is currently under the control of what remains of the Iranian Navy and the naval component of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Apart from traditional threats such as mines, a new concern is the 'Mosquito Fleet,' consisting of small, fast boats and drone vessels that can severely impact shipping operations in the region. While they have not had a significant effect on the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, they pose a considerable risk to vessels attempting to navigate through the strait, especially given recent incidents that suggest they have already attacked commercial shipping.

The 'Mosquito Fleet' includes Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) that are intended for asymmetric warfare, similar to tactics previously employed by Ukraine against the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Reports indicate that these unmanned vessels, which can be loaded with explosives, have already targeted tankers and cargo ships in the region. For example, H.I. Sutton notes that the tanker Sonangol Namibe, attacked on March 5, was likely hit by one of these drone boats, reflecting the emerging threats faced by maritime traffic in the area.

As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, the implications of the 'Mosquito Fleet' extend beyond local threats, potentially affecting global oil supply and maritime security. The ability of these small yet potent vessels to disrupt major shipping lanes means that they could be a vital factor in future naval confrontations in this strategically significant region, necessitating a reassessment of naval strategies and international policies regarding trade security in the region.