KATHMANDU: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy has claimed that an oil tanker that was trying to leave the Strait of Hormuz through an unauthorized route exploded after colliding with a sea tunnel.

The Iranian navy said in a statement on Saturday through its official news outlet Sepah News that the ship was carrying crude oil and was traveling with its navigation and GPS systems turned off. The Iranian side said the ship exploded and caught fire after hitting a sea tunnel.

According to the Iranian navy, the waterway was designated as a high-risk zone. It has also warned that oil tankers using unauthorized routes in violation of Iranian rules could face similar consequences.

Earlier on Friday, the Iranian navy claimed to have attacked a gas carrier named NV Sunshine, which was trying to cross illegally through the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian side said the ship’s engine room and running system caught fire in the incident.

Iran has blamed the US military for the escalation of tensions in the maritime region. It has also warned that action against ships using unauthorized routes will no longer be limited to the Strait of Hormuz. The navy has also said that ships that violate Iranian rules will be punished.

Iran has tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz since the joint attack of the US and Israel on February 28. It has been claimed that Iran has stopped the safe passage of ships associated with the US and Israel.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. Since a large amount of crude oil and other energy materials are transported through this route, any military activity here can affect international energy supplies and maritime security.