WANA (Sep 02) – The Public Relations Office of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement announcing that two non-compliant oil tankers caught fire and were rendered immobile after striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

 

According to the IRGC statement, the vessels were turned over to American personnel after their crews were disembarked at the instigation of the U.S. military in an effort to traverse an unauthorized maritime route.

 

The statement condemned recent U.S. strikes targeting civilian locations, including a wedding ceremony, characterizing the action as an attempt to intimidate the Iranian public. The IRGC asserted that such actions would not weaken its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

 

The IRGC reiterated that its naval forces had previously issued warnings regarding the hazards of navigating through mined channels.

 

It added that additional punitive measures would soon be enforced against maritime companies that violate established legal routes and place their vessels at the disposal of foreign powers.