Two vessels connected to India were forced to change course after coming under fire near the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. The incident marks another escalation in tensions along one of the world’s most important oil routes. Iranian media said naval forces targeted the ships. As a result, both vessels moved westward, away from the strait.
One of the ships is believed to be a very large crude carrier carrying nearly 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil.
No casualties but ships withdraw from route
There were no injuries or damage reported in the incident. However, both vessels had to retreat for safety. The firing took place northeast of Oman, in a key global shipping corridor that handles large volumes of oil trade.
India raises ‘deep concern’ with Iran
Following the incident, India took up the matter with Iran. Officials summoned Iranian envoy Mohammad Fathali and expressed serious concern.
India described the incident as alarming, especially since it involved firing on commercial vessels in a vital international route.
The Foreign Secretary highlighted the importance India gives to the safety of merchant ships and seafarers. He also noted that Iran had earlier helped ensure safe passage for ships heading to India.
Call to restore safe passage
India urged Iran to act quickly and restore systems that allow safe movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials also asked the envoy to pass on India’s concerns to authorities in Tehran.
Mohammad Fathali acknowledged the concerns. He assured that India’s message would be conveyed to the relevant authorities, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
However, there is still no official confirmation about his formal summoning by the ministry.
More vessels face threats in the region
The situation remains tense across the strait. Several commercial ships had attempted to pass through after Iran announced that the route was open for trade.
Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported another incident. A commercial tanker was approached and fired upon by two gunboats believed to be linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Iran reasserts strict control over strait
Iran has recently tightened its hold over the Strait of Hormuz. It said the route is now under strict military control amid its ongoing dispute with the United States over sanctions and shipping limits.
Tehran also reimposed restrictions on the waterway in response to a US blockade on Iranian shipping and ports. For the past seven weeks of conflict, Iran has largely blocked vessel movement, allowing only selected ships to pass.
‘Status quo’ means controlled passage
Ebrahim Azizi said the strait is “returning to the status quo”. Earlier, he had explained that this means ships must take permission from Iranian naval forces and may also need to pay tolls before crossing.
Conflicting signals from Iran
The latest developments come shortly after a contrasting statement from Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who had declared the strait open. This announcement came during a 10-day truce between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
However, the situation has shifted again, creating uncertainty for global shipping and energy markets.