Iran attacked four vessels allegedly involved in “illegal” oil transfers in the northern Persian Gulf on Wednesday, setting them ablaze, while three other ships were struck by mine explosions west of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the IRGC Navy said the four vessels were targeted simultaneously. It provided no further details about the ships or the extent of the damage.

The Iranian force also warned the US military that continued provocative actions could trigger larger-scale attacks against American military bases in the region.

The latest reported incidents add to mounting tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes for global energy supplies.

Tensions Continue Around the Strait of Hormuz

Attacks around the strategic waterway have reportedly intensified since the United States and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran on February 28.

In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding intended to help end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The arrangement was also expected to pave the way for discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme.

However, the understanding subsequently collapsed, and the two countries again became embroiled in confrontation over the strategic waterway.

The latest claims were made by the IRGC Navy. Independent confirmation of the reported attacks, the vessels involved and the extent of the damage was not provided in the statement.