Ankara: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that an oil tanker was hit by an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting two other vessels to retreat after attempting to navigate a mine-laden southern route in the strategic passage.

According to Anadolu Agency, the incident occurred as three tankers aimed to utilize the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz, a move reportedly encouraged by the US military. One tanker was struck and caught fire, leading the remaining vessels to reverse their course.

The IRGC declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain "completely closed" during ongoing US military operations. It stated that no tanker would be permitted to enter or exit the waterway during this period. The IRGC warned that any vessel attempting to transit the strait without coordination with Iranian authorities would face similar consequences, accusing Washington of endangering maritime navigation and regional energy security.

The situation unfolds amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions, with the US conducting strikes across Iran since last week. In response, Tehran has targeted facilities and bases it claims are utilized by the US military in several regional countries. This exchange of hostilities continues despite a framework agreement brokered by Pakistan and signed by the US and Iran in June, aimed at ending the war that began in February and paving the way for a lasting peace deal.