The IRGC's statement does not specify which ships are involved. But ever since the US started the war against Iran last winter, Iranian authorities have tried to control maritime traffic through the narrow strait between the Persian Gulf and the world's oceans.
According to the IRGC, the three ships in question had turned off their navigation systems, hoping to pass unnoticed via the “unapproved southern route” - in other words, into Omani waters.
The US is urging shipping companies to use the southern route, while Iran is demanding that all traffic go further north, into Iranian waters.
