Iran says oil tanker carrying more than 2 million barrels 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, according to Anadolu Agency.

In a statement broadcast by state broadcaster IRIB, the navy accused the vessel of violating regulations and said it had turned off all radar and navigation systems.

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

The navy did not identify the vessel or provide information 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,” the statement said.

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