Iran says four tankers hit naval mines in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guard said Wednesday that four oil tankers were "destroyed" after hitting naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and that its forces shot down another US MQ-9 Predator drone in the area. The Guard stated the tankers were "violating" vessels attempting to cross a prohibited zone south of the strait and remain burning, while two other ships were intercepted. It said the drone was downed using a "modern defensive system," describing the incidents as "hard blows to the enemy." Iran has declared the strait closed due to a US-Israel offensive launched in February, allowing passage only on its authorized routes. The US denies any blockade, asserting it militarily controls the strait's exterior and escorts ships to maintain oil exports.