The United States has long considered Iranian naval ships a serious threat, even as the country’s nuclear and missile programs dominate discussions of its military capabilities.

Iran may not have one of the biggest navies in the world, but it does have quite a lot of ships nonetheless. Here's what kinds of vessels the country owns.

When the United States Navy ships' hull designations first appeared in 1895, ships were referred to by class followed by their series numbers, such as "Battleship 7" or "Destroyer 17," with ...

Since 1819, Congress has said Navy ships are to be named by the Secretary of the Navy. Congress also issues non-binding naming guidelines that shape tradition: destroyers after distinguished naval ...

The United States Navy, arguably the most powerful sea-based military force to ever exist, owes a lot of its power to the large fleet of ships in its arsenal. As of January 2025, it was operating more ...