Iran says supertanker carrying over 2 million barrels of oil hit mine near Hormuz

A supertanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil exploded and caught fire after striking a naval mine south of the Strait of Hormuz, the Navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Tuesday.

In a statement carried by state broadcaster IRIB, the navy said the vessel was committing violations and that it had switched off all its radar and navigation systems.

The tanker ignored warnings from the IRGC Navy and was trying to leave the strait through an “unauthorized southern route” when it struck the mine, according to the statement.

The navy did not identify the vessel or provide details about its flag, crew, possible casualties, or the extent of the damage.

“Vessel owners and crews in the Gulf and the Sea of Oman are responsible for transiting unauthorized routes,” it said.

“Any movement that disregards the security of this strait will be dealt with decisively,” it added.