Two more oil tankers caught fire on Thursday after striking naval mines in an unsafe area east of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s Navy.

In a statement, the Iranian Army Navy said the two tankers struck naval mines around midday and caught fire while operating in the restricted maritime zone east of the strategic waterway.

The statement attributed the incidents to the vessels’ disregard for maritime warnings and their unauthorized entry into prohibited areas without prior coordination.

The latest incidents come amid a series of similar maritime accidents in recent days, with vessels attempting to navigate unauthorized routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, Iran’s Army Navy reported that another non-compliant oil tanker had caught fire and been brought to a halt after striking a naval mine early Thursday while attempting to transit an unauthorized route east of the strait.

The Navy said the tanker had switched off its identification and navigation systems, similar to other vessels that had struck naval mines and caught fire in recent days.

“We warn tanker owners and other vessel operators once again that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and remains unsafe for vessels attempting to pass through without prior coordination and authorization from Iranian authorities,” the Navy emphasized.

The Navy also stressed that any war against Iran would achieve nothing but defeat.

IRGC: Three Vessels Exploded in Hormuz, Two US-Made LUCAS Drones Seized

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that three intruding vessels had exploded in the Strait of Hormuz and that two US-made LUCAS drones had been successfully seized.

Three violating vessels explode in Hormuz, two LUCAS drones captured: IRGC

The IRGC says three intruding vessels have exploded in the Strait of Hormuz, while two US-made LUCAS drones were successfully seized.

Earlier, the IRGC Navy reported that two oil tankers and a tugboat had caught fire after attempting to pass through the strategic waterway illegally.

The IRGC Navy has repeatedly emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz remains under the sovereign control of the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding that safe and orderly passage is permitted only for vessels that coordinate in advance and comply with Iranian regulations.

It further warned that any provocative or unauthorized activity in the area would be met with an immediate and proportionate response.

The strategic Strait of Hormuz has remained effectively closed to unauthorized maritime traffic since early March, days after the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran began.

Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that vessels seeking to cross the waterway must use routes designated and authorized by the IRGC Navy.