Beirut: Iran stated that six vessels attempted to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz via an unauthorized route early Monday, with their navigation and positioning systems switched off, as reported by state broadcaster IRIB.

According to Anadolu Agency, the vessels attempted to cross the southern route of the critical waterway in a manner described as 'illegal and unsafe.' A well-informed source communicated to IRIB that the ships aimed to 'provoke' US forces in the vicinity.

One of the vessels encountered an unspecified incident, while the remaining five were redirected to the Persian Gulf under Iranian control. The report did not provide details regarding the ships' flags, crews, or the nature of the incident.

The source emphasized that the official shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz is clearly defined, warning that alternative routes are hazardous and impassable. The US military has not yet commented on Iran's account.