A liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier reportedly struck a sea mine in the eastern Strait of Hormuz after attempting to navigate a southern shipping route that Iran had not authorized.

The vessel attempted to pass through the restricted and dangerous route despite repeated warnings, TASS reports.

"Several hours ago, a vessel carrying liquefied gas in the eastern Strait of Hormuz, ignoring repeated warnings, attempted to pass through the southern route of the strait, which Iran had not authorized and considers dangerous, and struck a sea mine, causing a very powerful explosion," the IRGC Navy said in a statement.

According to the Iranian naval forces, the vessel had reportedly expected to make the passage under the protection of US fighter jets.