[Iran Revolutionary Guard: Ships Should Not Use Alternative Routes to Enter or Exit the Strait of Hormuz] Golden Finance reported on July 23 that the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy Command stated on July 22 local time that the routes for entering and exiting the Strait of Hormuz are clear and are entirely under Iran's control. Any alternative routes are unsafe and extremely dangerous. All parties are warned not to use these routes, as doing so will result in severe and irreversible consequences. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement at dawn on July 18 Tehran time, stating that two oil tankers exploded and caught fire while passing through a mined area in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Central Command immediately responded, claiming that Iran's statement was untrue. It is reported that the aforementioned oil tankers were using the "southern route" of the Strait of Hormuz, which is near the Oman side. The United States has encouraged vessels to use the "southern route," insisting that this route is safe, while Iran claims that the route is unauthorized. (CCTV News)