Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy reported Friday that it stopped two oil tankers in waters south of the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels had switched off their navigation systems and attempted an unauthorized route despite repeated warnings, according to Iranian state media.

The incidents occurred amid heightened tensions in the region. Iran has maintained strict controls over the waterway since the start of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Tehran in late February. Traffic through the strait remains severely restricted, with AIS-visible commercial transits averaging just nine percent of pre-crisis levels.

Maritime sources also reported a separate attack Thursday in which a small boat attached limpet mines to a tanker, causing a fire in the engine room and temporarily disabling the vessel. This marked the first successful use of such explosives in the strait since the conflict began.

Iranian officials claimed the tankers violated regulations by navigating prohibited waters and sustained damage after striking naval mines. The Panama-flagged Louise 1 was among those targeted, according to assessments from maritime security firms.

The Strait of Hormuz carries a significant portion of global oil shipments. Disruptions there raise concerns over energy prices and supply chains worldwide. U.S. naval forces continue to coordinate limited transits, while Iran insists on permits and asserts authority over the passage.

Nearly 500 vessels remain queued or waiting in nearby anchorages on both sides of the strait. Only a handful of commercial ships have crossed in recent days under the constrained conditions.

The latest actions follow weeks of Iranian warnings and enforcement against vessels attempting to bypass its requirements. Tehran has repeatedly stated that safe passage cannot be guaranteed without compliance with its rules.

Global markets are monitoring developments closely as the crisis enters its ninth month. Oil prices have fluctuated with each new report of interference in the critical chokepoint.