According to CCTV World News, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran released a statement in the early hours of local time today (July 18). It claimed that a few hours earlier, two oil tankers, incited by the United States, had attempted to cross a minefield in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz, which triggered explosions and massive fires aboard the vessels.
The statement warned that due to the U.S. military's reckless acts, the Strait of Hormuz is now extremely dangerous and completely closed to shipping. It cautioned all vessels not to be misled by U.S. claims and to steer clear of the mine-laid zone.
In response, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) refuted Iran's allegations, stating that such claims are untrue
