Luhut Claims Intelligence on Iran's New Drone Technology Capable of Attacking American Territory

Jakarta — The Chair of Indonesia’s National Economic Council, Luhut B. Pandjaitan, has revealed details about Iran’s advanced drone capabilities. Iran is reportedly developing underwater drones that pose an increasing threat to tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

During a cabinet session, Luhut explained the escalating role of technology in recent military operations between the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as in Iran’s retaliatory strikes.

“In my view, this is a technological war and a battle of wills. The number of drones fired by Iran has also decreased steadily because the US is specifically targeting and destroying the weapons factories from which they are launched,” he said on Friday (13 March 2026).

However, Iran’s weapons production capabilities remain equally sophisticated. According to Luhut, Iran is now launching drones from various locations using mobile facilities.

Iran is also developing drones capable of operating in maritime environments. These drones’ capabilities mean the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for traffic even though Iranian naval vessels have been destroyed.

“An American tanker caught fire after Iran claimed a drone attack on the water. According to sources we have obtained, Iran’s drone technology is now being developed for underwater operations,” he said.

Additionally, Luhut indicated that the drone technology is reportedly not only being used for conflict in the Middle East. The United States is concerned that Iran could deploy their drones closer to American territory using launch facilities on ships.