The Iranian Navy said early Wednesday that another offending tanker caught fire after hitting a naval mine in the prohibited area east of the strategic waterway.
The Navy stressed that its forces maintain close surveillance and control over the eastern Strait of Hormuz, warning ship operators that safe passage requires coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and compliance with maritime regulations.
Separately, the IRGC Navy announced that a third tanker exploded after striking a naval mine while attempting to pass through an unauthorized route in the Strait on Tuesday afternoon.
It said the vessel was burning in the eastern part of the waterway, with smoke from the explosion and ensuing fire spreading across the area.
The IRGC Navy said the tankers are taking greater risks by attempting to use illegal routes after the destruction of coastal radar and navigational assistance systems operated by the “US Army’s smuggling” network south of the Strait.
It added that attempts to navigate dangerous and unauthorized passages have resulted in the vessels hitting naval mines.