Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced that four oil tankers were destroyed after striking naval mines in the southern Strait of Hormuz, while claiming that its air defence forces shot down a US MQ-9 drone over the strategic waterway.

In a statement, the IRGC said the four tankers were attempting to navigate a prohibited route south of the strait when they struck naval mines. The vessels were still burning following the explosions, it added.

The force also said two other vessels attempting to cross the restricted route had been intercepted and stopped.

Describing the incidents as major blows against its adversaries, the IRGC said its naval and aerospace forces had carried out successful operations in the region.

Separately, the IRGC said its air defence units had shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Strait of Hormuz at 4:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the drone was brought down using a newly developed air defence system in what the IRGC described as an innovative operation.

The latest claim brings the number of US MQ-9 drones Iran says it has downed to 56.

The IRGC did not provide further details about the identities or ownership of the tankers, while the claims had not been independently verified.

The force said its fighters remained on high alert and were prepared to deliver what it described as a final blow to the Israeli occupation regime and the United States.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important energy routes, carrying a substantial share of global oil shipments. Any escalation in military activity or disruption to shipping in the waterway could have serious consequences for international energy markets and maritime security. (ILKHA)