The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said three "violating oil tankers" exploded and burned in the past 24 hours after striking mines on the unauthorised southern route of the strait, near the Omani coast. According to the IRGC, those vessels had switched off radar and navigation systems and ignored navy warnings. Later Thursday, Iran's army said a fourth tanker caught fire east of the strait after entering a "restricted and dangerous area." Details such as timing and flags were not given. British agency UKMTO separately reported a vessel on fire about 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, plus two other incidents: a dhow that caught fire and sank, and a tanker hit by an unknown projectile while transiting Hormuz. The incidents come a day after US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had cleared key routes. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebi challenged that on X, demanding independent evidence, not statements. The IRGC warned owners and crews are responsible if they use the mined southern route and should not trust CENTCOM social media claims. Context: Since the war began Feb. 28, Iran has severely restricted traffic through Hormuz, which normally carries about one-fifth of global oil. The US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and escorted tankers, saying Sunday it helped Gulf states export 1.5 billion barrels via Hormuz since summer. The IRGC also claimed it captured a US MQM-170 reconnaissance drone in the western strait. (Bssnews)