Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Iran has unveiled its first drone-carrier warship, marking a significant expansion of its naval capabilities, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.The vessel, named Shahid Bagheri, is capable of operating in distant oceans and is designed to enhance Iran’s maritime deterrence. That makes it a new potential threat to U.S. forces in the region and to arch-foe Israel.The announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran – as he threatened Tehran it would be “obliterated” if it assassinates him while at the same time raising the prospect of negotiations towards a nuclear deal.Why It MattersIran’s move to expand its naval presence comes amid ongoing regional tensions and efforts to bolster its military self-sufficiency. The development of a drone-carrier warship could alter strategic calculations in the Persian Gulf and beyond.
This image provided Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, by Sepahnews of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, shows Iran’s first drone-carrier warship in the Persian Gulf.
This image provided Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, by Sepahnews of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, shows Iran’s first drone-carrier warship in the Persian Gulf.
Sepahnews/AP Photo
What to KnowManned by the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard’s navy, the Shahid Bagheri carries multiple squadrons of drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles.IRNA reported that the ship features a 180-meter-long drone runway and can travel up to 22,000 nautical miles (25,300 miles) without requiring port refueling — potentially all the way round the world. The vessel was converted from a commercial ship and is equipped with additional facilities, including a hospital and a gym for the crew.Iran’s Military Strategy?Iran has pursued a military self-sufficiency plan, developing its own submarines, jet fighters, and tanks. The addition of the Shahid Bagheri aligns with its long-standing ambition to expand its naval reach and reinforce its presence in international waters.Footage broadcast by state TV during the ship’s inauguration showed at least four helicopters and three drones on the vessel’s deck.”Maximum Pressure” CampaignEarlier this week, Trump signed a presidential memorandum reimposing sanctions on Iran and emphasized his “maximum pressure” approach, which aims to isolate Iran economically and politically.Trump said that his administration’s strategy was working, but at the same time, added he would hold talks with his counterpart in Tehran. However, Trump warned he has left “instructions” for his advisers that if Iran assassinated him, the U.S. rival “would be obliterated”. At the same time, however, he has raised prospects for a nuclear deal.
In this image provided Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, by Sepahnews of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, a helicopter flies over Iran’s first drone-carrier warship in the Persian Gulf.
In this image provided Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, by Sepahnews of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, a helicopter flies over Iran’s first drone-carrier warship in the Persian Gulf.
Sepahnews/AP Photo
What People Are SayingGeneral Hossein Salami, Chief of the Revolutionary Guard: “Iran is not considered a threat to any country, but we do not bow before threat by any power.”President Donald Trump: “I want Iran to be a great and successful country, but one that cannot have a nuclear weapon,”What Happens NextIran’s unveiling of the Shahid Bagheri signals its intent to expand naval operations beyond the region. The vessel’s capabilities will likely be closely monitored by the U.S. and regional powers as Tehran continues its push for military self-sufficiency.
