Tehran:Three oil tankers have reportedly hit naval mines and caught fire while navigating 'unauthorized' routes through the Strait of Hormuz, as stated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the IRGC Navy's public relations office, via the Tasnim News Agency, indicated that the three tankers experienced explosions and severe fires after entering unauthorized shipping routes with their navigation and identification systems turned off. The incidents, occurring early Tuesday, resulted in fires that illuminated the eastern section of the strait throughout the night.

The IRGC reported that the tankers were abandoned near the southern shores of the Strait of Hormuz, remaining engulfed in flames. Iranian regulations for navigating the strait have been repeatedly communicated to vessels through radio broadcasts and official naval notices. The IRGC warned that ships ignoring these regulations and cooperating with the US military to cross unauthorized routes might face similar incidents.

The IRGC's statement also dismissed claims by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander about the conditions in the strait, accusing him of using archival footage on social media to misrepresent the situation. The IRGC did not identify the tankers or provide details about the crews, casualties, or damage extent. No immediate independent confirmation of the incidents was available.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a major flashpoint following the US and Israel's military offensive against Iran on February 28. Iranian forces have increased control over maritime traffic in the strategic waterway, with Tehran accusing Washington of maintaining a naval blockade. The latest statement follows an announcement by Iran's Navy on Monday regarding an oil tanker striking a naval mine and catching fire in a prohibited area east of the Strait of Hormuz.