The IRGC Navy said in a statement on Thursday morning that it had tracked the four vessels after they used unauthorized routes despite previous warnings to maritime companies.

The navy said the ships were discovered transferring oil cargoes in the northern part of the Persian Gulf and were hit simultaneously.

It also reported that three vessels had struck mines and caught fire west of the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday night, leaving them immobilized.

The statement blamed the United States for encouraging ships to use an illegal, mined passage, warning that such actions were increasing maritime incidents.

The IRGC Navy warned that if the trend continued, confrontation could extend to US bases in the region, describing the message as a serious warning.

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