Four tankers have been destroyed after striking mines in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian reports.
Iran's Press TV broadcaster cited the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as saying the vessels had attempted to use a route through the strategically important waterway that had not been authorized by Tehran.
Iran requires ships to follow a designated route along its coast through the strait, which is crucial to global oil and gas trade.
Since the start of the Iran war in late February, ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf region have repeatedly come under attack.
Iran has recently intensified its attacks on vessels, particularly along a southern route through the strait.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the US military has been protecting commercial cargo ships along that route for months, providing almost continuous air support.
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