Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy says it struck three oil tankers travelling through “unauthorised” routes in the Strait of Hormuz and three US-affiliated vessels “in other areas”.

In a statement carried by Iranian broadcaster IRIB, the force urged ships in the Gulf and around the strait not to be “deceived” by the US military.

It also warned vessels to “refrain from any suspicious movement aimed at transiting unauthorised waterways”.

“Otherwise, you will be targeted,” it said.