Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said two oil tankers exploded after striking mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels had left their crews behind and were transferred to personnel linked to the U.S. military to travel through what Tehran described as an illegal route. The IRGC said the tankers caught fire and were brought to a halt, but did not identify them, disclose their flags or exact location, or report possible casualties. It said naval forces had previously warned ships about the mined area and threatened additional punitive measures against companies using the unauthorized passage. The statement also said recent U.S. military actions would not weaken Iran’s control over the waterway.