Photo courtesy of Anadolu
Iran said six vessels attempted to travel through an unauthorized section of the Strait of Hormuz early Monday after disabling their navigation and positioning systems.
State broadcaster IRIB reported that the ships entered the southern route of the strategic waterway without permission and in a manner Iranian authorities considered unsafe.
An unnamed source cited by the broadcaster alleged that the vessels intended to provoke United States forces operating in the area.
One ship was reportedly involved in an incident, although Iranian authorities did not disclose what happened.
The remaining five vessels were redirected toward the Persian Gulf and placed under Iranian control, according to the report.
Iran did not identify the ships or provide information about their flags, crews or destinations.
The source said commercial vessels were required to use the designated shipping lane, warning that alternative routes were hazardous and not suitable for passage.
The United States military had not immediately issued a response to Iran’s claims.