IRGC Navy says four vessels hit in Persian Gulf, three struck mines near Strait of Hormuz

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said four vessels that were transferring oil cargo ship-to-ship in the northern Persian Gulf were hit simultaneously and are burning, according to a statement carried by Mehr News Agency. The statement said three other vessels struck mines west of the Strait of Hormuz overnight, were damaged, caught fire and were stopped.

The IRGC Navy said the four vessels had previously crossed what it described as an illegal route, and that its forces tracked and pursued them before finding them conducting ship-to-ship transfers of oil cargo in the northern middle of the Persian Gulf. It said all four were hit at the same time.

In the statement, the IRGC Navy praised the steadfastness of the Iranian people, saying it strengthens the country's military forces and has brought what it called humiliation and despair to Iran's enemies. It said its naval forces continue to manage and control the Strait of Hormuz with this broad national backing.

The statement said earlier warnings had been issued to shipping companies it said were deceived by the United States military and crossed illegal routes. It added that the US administration's insistence on inciting vessels to cross the mined illegal route has increased maritime incidents day by day.

The IRGC Navy warned that continuing this scope of confrontation will draw the US military to what it described as its aggressor bases in the region, calling this a serious warning. The statement did not provide further details on the vessels' nationalities, the extent of the damage or any casualties.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global oil shipments, and incidents there have previously affected regional shipping and energy markets. The report by Mehr News Agency said the IRGC Navy issued the statement through its official channels.