Oil tanker explodes after hitting mine in Strait of Hormuz, IRGC Navy says

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said in a statement that an oil tanker struck a naval mine in the southern Strait of Hormuz, causing an explosion and a fire in its engine room. According to the statement, the vessel was attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz at the time of the incident.

The IRGC Navy said the tanker had switched off all of its positioning and navigation systems from the start of its voyage and was attempting to cross the unauthorized southern route of the strait in disregard of its regulations when the incident occurred. The statement described the vessel as a "violating" tanker.

The IRGC Navy further stated that any ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf that turn off their navigation and identification systems will be dealt with severely and decisively. The statement did not provide details on casualties, the extent of the damage to the vessel, or the flag under which it was sailing.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a key route for global oil shipments. The IRGC Navy is responsible for security in the strait and the Persian Gulf.

According to Mehr News, the incident is the latest in a series of reported explosions involving tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The report did not specify the date of the incident or identify the vessel involved.