TEHRAN, Nov 13 — Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said today that a ship was hit by an explosion after striking a mine in the Strait of Hormuz, where Tehran has sought to restrict navigation.

Since the outbreak of the Middle East war in late February, Tehran has insisted that vessels obtain its authorisation to traverse the strait and has attacked vessels that do not comply.

The US has in response imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and provides military support to tankers using the vital trade route.

“A few hours ago, a ship carrying liquefied natural gas east of the Strait of Hormuz tried to cross an unauthorised passageway south of the strait, but was hit by a naval mine and exploded violently,” the Guards said today.