Iran's navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Saturday that three oil tankers caught fire after hitting naval mines.
The incidents happened in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The strait is a key waterway for global oil shipments. Any trouble here can worry energy markets around the world.
Iran says two of the tankers were trying to cross the southern part of the strait.
The IRGC says both had switched off their navigation and tracking systems, and they did not have permission.
Iran's regular navy reported a third tanker east of the strait.
It says the ship entered what it called a restricted area, despite earlier warnings, and then hit a mine.
Key points
- Three oil tankers caught fire after hitting naval mines, according to Iran's navy and the IRGC.
- Iran says the ships had switched off tracking systems and did not have permission to pass.
- No ship names, countries or casualties have been disclosed.
- The US military says it has cleared the main shipping routes of mines.
So why is this strait in the news right now?
The tension began in February, when the United States and Israel struck targets on Iranian territory.
Iran then tightened its control over the strait.
Iran now requires ships to get its approval before crossing.
The United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, and American forces are giving military support to tankers using the waterway.
What is still unclear about these tanker fires?
The statements gave limited details. They did not name the ships or their countries.
They also did not say how much damage was done or whether anyone was hurt.
One damaged ship was described as a supertanker.
On Friday, Iran's Revolutionary Guards also released footage showing smoke from a vessel.
They said it was carrying liquefied gas.
These are Iran's own statements about the incidents.
The US military has given a different view on the state of the main routes.
What does this mean for you and the oil trade?
Iran's navy has warned that any tanker entering the restricted area could face the same fate.
The warning is aimed at ship owners and shipping companies.
For ordinary Indians, the main link is energy.
When oil shipping gets risky, fuel and transport costs can come under pressure.
If you track fuel prices, this is a development worth watching.
