An explosion and fire have been reported in the engine room of an oil tanker in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessel struck a naval mine while attempting to navigate an unauthorized route with its navigation systems switched off, according to Fars news agency.

Iranian military officials said the tanker had violated maritime navigation rules in the strait and was suspected of engaging in illegal activities.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also warned that vessels switching off their identification systems in the Persian Gulf would face a strong response.