As the armed conflict between the United States and Iran continued in the Strait of Hormuz area for the seventh day, Iran claimed that two oil tankers were exploded by mines, but the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) refuted this as "false". According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency on the 18th (local time), the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement, "An hour ago, two oil tankers were deceived by U.S. intelligence agencies and attempted to pass through the mine-laid area in the southern Strait of Hormuz. “The ship exploded and a large fire broke out,” the IRGC said. The IRGC did not disclose specific details such as casualties, nationality of the ship, or cargo on board. The IRGC placed responsibility for this accident on the United States, saying, “Due to the evil actions of the U.S. military, the Strait of Hormuz has become extremely unstable and virtually completely closed,” and asserted, “Unless the U.S. aggression is ended, the export of chemical fertilizers, crude oil, and gas through this area is impossible.” Also, “Ships must not be deceived and must not enter the mine-laid zone.” A warning was sent to ships sailing, saying, “But the U.S. Central Command said this