Iran said six vessels attempted to pass through an unauthorised route in the Strait of Hormuz early Monday after switching off their navigation and positioning systems, state broadcaster IRIB reported.
The vessels tried to cross the southern route of the strategic waterway “illegally and unsafely,” a well-informed source told IRIB.
The source claimed the ships were attempting to “provoke” US forces in the area.
One of the vessels was involved in an unspecified incident, while the other five were redirected to the Gulf under Iranian control, according to the report.
No details were provided about the ships, their flags, crews or the nature of the incident.
The source said the designated shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz had been clearly defined and warned that other routes were dangerous and impassable.
The US military did not immediately comment.
Tensions between the US and Iran have intensified in recent weeks, with Washington carrying out attacks on Iran, and Tehran responding by targeting what it says are US military facilities and equipment in countries across the region, including Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait.
On July 8, US President Donald Trump declared last month's memorandum of understanding with Iran "over," accusing Tehran of violating the agreement.
Washington has called for unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran insists that vessels transit through a channel near its coastline under a navigation mechanism administered by Iran.
Trump has directed the US military not to launch new strikes on Iran, ending nearly two weeks of daily attacks, Axios reported on Saturday, citing sources familiar with the decision.
