Tehran:Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Thursday that it had targeted four ships in the northern Arabian Gulf. The IRGC stated that these ships were involved in transferring oil cargoes between vessels.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the IRGC's naval forces reported that fires were still burning on the targeted ships. The vessels were reportedly spotted transferring oil between ships while navigating unauthorized routes, leading to their simultaneous targeting.

The IRGC accused the United States of encouraging ships to cross a maritime passage filled with mines, resulting in a rise in maritime incidents. The IRGC's statement warned Washington that if this approach continued, Iran's response might extend to include American bases in the region.

Tensions have been high since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and US sites in regional countries until a ceasefire was reached in April. Despite a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June, hostilities resumed with US attacks on Iranian sites after July 8, prompting Iran to announce the reclosing of the Strait of Hormuz on July 12.