Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Saturday that two oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz struck mines and caught fire, an assertion that was swiftly rejected by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). The conflicting statements emerged amid heightened tensions in one of the world's most strategically important maritime trade routes, with both sides presenting sharply different accounts of events. No independent confirmation of the reported tanker explosions was immediately available.

In a statement carried by Iran's state news agency IRNA, the IRGC alleged that two oil tankers attempting to cross what it described as a minefield south of the Strait of Hormuz had exploded and caught fire. The statement did not identify the vessels involved but warned mariners against using what it called unsafe routes. Iranian officials alleged that the ships had attempted to transit through an area influenced by what they described as deceptive actions by American intelligence agencies, though no evidence was publicly presented to support the claim.

Responding to the allegation, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) dismissed the Iranian statement, posting on social media that "Like most IRGC claims, this is false." The US military did not provide additional operational details regarding vessel movements or maritime incidents in the area. At the time of the statements, there had been no independent verification from international maritime authorities confirming that any oil tankers had struck mines or caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz.

Also Read: Oil Tankers Resume Limited Transits Through Hormuz After Iran Attacks

In a separate announcement, the IRGC claimed that it had stopped four vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz during what it described as a combined missile and drone operation. According to the Iranian statement, the ships were allegedly operating with the support of the US military and were prevented from proceeding through the waterway. The United States has not publicly confirmed the Iranian account, and no independent evidence has been released to verify the reported interception of the vessels.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's busiest energy shipping corridors, carrying a substantial share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Iran has recently reiterated its intention to regulate shipping through routes closer to its northern coastline, while the United States has continued efforts to protect maritime navigation in the region. The exchange of claims comes amid ongoing military tensions, including reports of US naval operations and airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure linked to maritime security.

Separately, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that US strikes in Hormozgan Province killed three people and injured eight others on Saturday morning. According to the report, the casualties occurred following attacks on parts of the southern province. The latest developments underscore the continuing volatility in the Gulf region, where competing military claims and escalating tensions have heightened concerns over regional security and the uninterrupted flow of international maritime trade.

Also Read: Oil Tankers Reverse Course Amid Hormuz Fears, With Some Choosing Iranian Route Instead