Doha:Tehran The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has announced that a third oil tanker detonated after hitting a naval mine while attempting to traverse an unauthorized route through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday afternoon.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the IRGC Navy's Public Relations Office reported that the tanker caught fire in the eastern part of the Strait, with smoke from the explosion and subsequent blaze spreading across the area.

The IRGC Navy's statement highlighted that the destruction of coastal radar and navigational assistance systems belonging to the US military in the southern Strait of Hormuz has prompted tankers to attempt passage through unauthorized routes, which carry significantly greater risks. This has resulted in the tankers striking naval mines.

Earlier on Tuesday, the IRGC Navy reported that two other oil tankers attempting a similar unauthorized route suffered massive explosions and were left ablaze.