Tehran:A tanker has caught fire after striking a sea mine east of the Strait of Hormuz while navigating through a prohibited and unsafe zone, according to a statement from the Iranian Army's Navy.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the Navy disclosed that the vessel had entered the restricted area despite repeated warnings and had turned off its navigation systems at the time of the incident. The tanker hit the mine early in the morning, leading to a fire and immobilization of the vessel.

The Iranian Navy reiterated its warning that any vessels violating restrictions and ignoring its warnings would face similar consequences. The statement follows a report from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy that two oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday after entering restricted waters without coordination with Iranian authorities.

The IRGC noted that these vessels attempted to exit the strait through unauthorized routes, with their navigation and identification systems deactivated, allegedly supported by the 'aggressive and terrorist US military.' Iranian officials have consistently cautioned commercial vessels against using routes deemed unauthorized and unsafe by Tehran, emphasizing the importance of adhering to its maritime coordination requirements.