Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said two oil tankers caught fire after striking naval mines in and near the Strait of Hormuz, as separate maritime incidents and explosions were reported across the Gulf region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the IRGC said late Saturday that both tankers had switched off their navigation and positioning systems before attempting to use a maritime route that had not been authorized by Iran.

The force said one tanker struck a mine east of the Strait of Hormuz, while the other hit a mine inside the strategic waterway. It did not identify the vessels or provide further details about their crews or the extent of the damage.

The developments came after US Central Command said an American aircraft had disabled the Huda, a cargo ship flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, in the Gulf of Oman.

According to the US military command, the vessel had previously visited an Iranian port and repeatedly attempted to breach the US naval blockade.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an incident involving a cargo ship and military forces approximately 18 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates.

The agency did not identify the vessel or the military forces involved, adding that the crew's condition and the extent of any damage or environmental impact remained unknown.

The UAE National Guard said Sunday that it had rescued 22 people following a fire aboard a cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman.

Those rescued received first aid before being transferred to the relevant authorities, the National Guard said, adding that all 22 were in stable condition. It did not disclose the vessel's identity.

Separately, Iran's Fars News Agency reported that explosions were heard Saturday in the cities of Qeshm and Jask in the southern province of Hormozgan.

Citing local sources, the agency said the exact locations and nature of the explosions remained unclear. No immediate information was available regarding possible casualties or material damage.

The incidents come amid heightened tensions over maritime navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Israeli military offensive against Iran in late February.

The strategic waterway is a major international shipping route for oil and other energy supplies, making any disruption to maritime traffic a significant concern for global trade and energy markets. (ILKHA)