Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Wednesday that two tankers were disabled after being struck by mines in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing their crews to abandon the vessels, multiple media reports said.
The IRGC said the explosions halted both tankers as US military personnel urged their crews to abandon the vessels and sought to steer them through a route the IRGC described as unauthorized.
The IRGC Navy said it had already warned ships about the risks of navigating the mined channel, while signaling further action against vessels that ignore the warning.
"Additional punitive measures have also been prepared for shipping companies that, instead of using the authorized route, are deceived by the United States and place their vessels at the enemy's disposal," IRGC added.
The IRGC signaled a tougher response for shipping firms that ignore its warnings, saying, "...These measures will be implemented soon."
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to' request for comment.