Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said an oil tanker struck a naval mine in the southern Strait of Hormuz, triggering an explosion and a fire in the vessel’s engine room after it allegedly violated navigation regulations.

The IRGC Navy said the tanker was attempting to leave the strategic waterway via an unauthorized southern route while disregarding the applicable regulations.

According to the statement, the vessel had switched off its positioning and navigation systems from the beginning of its voyage, making it difficult to identify and track its movements.

The IRGC Navy said the incident underscored the importance of complying with navigation rules in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy shipments.

It warned that vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf would face a firm response if they switched off their navigation and identification systems.

“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 said.

The IRGC Navy did not identify the tanker or provide details about its ownership, the extent of the damage or possible casualties. The account of the incident has not been independently verified.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes, carrying a substantial share of global oil shipments. Its security remains a major concern for regional countries and international energy markets. (ILKHA)