Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said seven vessels were hit by strikes or naval mines in the Persian Gulf and west of the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran reaffirmed its determination to maintain control over the strategic waterway amid escalating confrontation with the United States.

The IRGC Navy said four vessels conducting ship-to-ship oil transfers in the northern Persian Gulf were struck simultaneously and caught fire. It added that three other vessels sustained damage and caught fire after striking mines west of the Strait of Hormuz overnight.

The claims have not been independently verified, and no immediate information was available regarding casualties, the vessels’ identities or the extent of the damage.

According to the IRGC Navy, its forces had previously warned shipping companies against using what Tehran described as illegal maritime routes, alleging that the companies had been misled by the US military.

The statement said Iranian naval forces tracked and pursued four vessels that had crossed the prohibited route before locating them conducting ship-to-ship transfers of oil cargo in the northern-central Persian Gulf.

The IRGC Navy said all four vessels were struck at the same time and were burning.

It separately reported that three other vessels hit mines west of the Strait of Hormuz overnight, sustaining damage and catching fire before being stopped.

The Iranian naval force praised the Iranian people for their steadfastness and support, saying national unity had strengthened the country's armed forces and undermined the morale of its adversaries.

It said the navy continued to manage and control the Strait of Hormuz with the backing of the Iranian people.

The strategic waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world's most important energy transit routes. Any disruption to shipping through the strait can have significant consequences for international oil markets and global trade.

The IRGC Navy blamed the United States for encouraging vessels to cross routes it said were mined, arguing that the practice had contributed to a growing number of maritime incidents.

Warning Washington against continuing its current approach, the Iranian force said the United States should recognize that expanding the confrontation would expose its military bases across the region to the consequences.

The statement described the warning as serious and reiterated Iran's resolve to respond to what it considers hostile actions.

The latest claims underscore the mounting risks to commercial shipping as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue. Independent confirmation of the reported strikes and mine incidents, as well as any response from US officials, remained unavailable at the time of publication. (ILKHA)