Hormuz LNG ship hits mine and explodes, Iran says

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Friday that a ship carrying liquefied natural gas hit a naval mine and exploded east of the Strait of Hormuz after trying to use an unauthorised passage.

The Guards did not name the vessel or give its origin. They said the ship was sailing south of the strait when it was struck.

Iran has sought to restrict navigation through the Strait of Hormuz since the Middle East war began in late February, saying vessels need its authorisation to cross. The United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and provides military support to tankers using the trade route.

Iran's armed forces have repeatedly reported fires or explosions on ships in the strait in recent weeks, often saying vessels struck mines. The US military says it has cleared the main routes through the waterway of mines.

The Revolutionary Guards also said overnight that their forces had targeted a US early warning radar system in Bahrain, a US ally that hosts American military installations. The United States and Bahrain had not confirmed the reported attack.