Iran’s armed forces reported that four oil tankers caught fire after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping corridor in the Persian Gulf. According to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), three of the tankers exploded and ignited flames after taking an unauthorized southern route through the strait over a 24-hour period. A fourth tanker reportedly caught fire to the east of the Strait later on Thursday.

The IRGC characterized the tankers involved as "violating" vessels attempting to transit the waterway, which is strategically vital for global energy supplies. The incidents have escalated concerns over maritime security in the region, given that the Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments.

These developments come shortly after the United States military announced that it had cleared key maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels amid heightened tensions. The US and Iran have a history of confrontations in the Gulf, and the latest events may further strain the precarious security environment.

No immediate information was available regarding casualties or the specific ownership and registration of the impacted tankers. The occurrences underscore the ongoing risks faced by vessels navigating these strategic waters amid the complex geopolitical dynamics between Iran and other regional and international actors.