Dubai: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday that four oil tankers were destroyed and were still on fire after striking naval mines while attempting to cross a restricted route south of the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC also claimed to seize two other vessels but did not disclose their identities, nationalities or the circumstances of their detention.
According to Reuters, the Iranian statement did not identify the four tankers or provide details on their crews, possible casualties, or the exact locations of the incidents.
The claims could not be verified independently.
The announcement comes amid a series of reported maritime incidents near the Strait of Hormuz, where restrictions on commercial shipping heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.
Previous tanker incidents raise security concerns
On 30 October, Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy (IRGN) reported that four tankers caught fire after striking mines while travelling along routes it described as unauthorised.
Iranian authorities said one of the vessels was carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil when it was damaged.
Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that a tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile as it left the Strait of Hormuz.
Another incident was reported approximately 40 nautical miles south of Iran's Lavan Island, where a vessel caught fire after being struck on its port side.
The reports said the crew was safe and no environmental damage was reported.
It remained unclear whether those vessels were among the tankers mentioned in Iran's statements.
US and Iran dispute safety of shipping routes
Iran considers certain routes through the Strait of Hormuz, particularly the southern passage near Oman, unauthorised and dangerous.
The United States, however, said its military cleared mines from primary shipping routes and assisted commercial vessels travelling through the waterway.
Iranian officials challenged Washington's assurances, arguing that the risk of mines persists.
The dispute complicated efforts to restore confidence in maritime traffic after months of military confrontation between Iran and the United States.
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters
About one fifth of global oil supplies normally pass through the waterway, making it a critical route for international energy markets.
The latest Iranian claims add to uncertainty over maritime safety, as regional governments continue diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
The identities of the affected vessels, the extent of the damage and the circumstances surrounding the reported seizures remain unconfirmed.
