Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Saturday that an oil supertanker struck a naval mine and exploded while attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz through an unauthorized southern route.

Axar.az reports, citing Anadolu Agency, that in a statement, the IRGC said the vessel, which it described as a supertanker capable of carrying around 2 million barrels of oil, had switched off its navigation systems before attempting to cross the strategic waterway.

The tanker struck a mine while trying to exit through the alternative route, triggering an explosion visible from coastal areas, it said.

The IRGC warned that "the fate of every vessel that ignores the rules in the Strait of Hormuz is a horrific fire."

There was no immediate information about the vessel's identity, crew or possible casualties.