International

In a fresh escalation of maritime tensions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, two Indian-flagged vessels, including a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) supertanker, came under fire from Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboats on Saturday. No injuries or significant damage were reported, and the crew remained safe, according to multiple maritime authorities and shipping trackers.

The incident occurred approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman, at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow chokepoint through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British military-linked agency, issued an advisory confirming that the master of a tanker reported being approached by two IRGC gunboats. The vessels opened fire without issuing any prior VHF radio challenge or warning. The UKMTO stated that the tanker and its crew were safe, with authorities now investigating the matter.

Independent shipping monitor TankerTrackers.com provided further details, reporting that at least two Indian-flagged vessels were forced to reverse course westward and exit the strait after the encounter. One of them was a VLCC supertanker carrying approximately 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude oil. Audio recordings captured during the incident reportedly showed IRGC units directing ships to turn back, with gunfire involved in the redirection.

Indian government sources confirmed that the vessels sustained no damage and no crew members were injured. In response to the incident, India has decided to summon the Iranian ambassador to register a strong protest and seek explanations, sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicated.

Background: Renewed Restrictions on the Strait

The firing comes hours after Iran’s military announced that control over the Strait of Hormuz had “returned to its previous state” under strict management by its armed forces. This reversal followed a brief period when Tehran had declared the waterway open to commercial traffic as part of fragile ceasefire arrangements linked to broader regional de-escalation efforts involving the US, Israel, and Lebanon.

Iran cited the continuing US naval blockade of Iranian ports as the reason for reimposing restrictions. US President Donald Trump had earlier stated that the American blockade would remain in force until a comprehensive deal with Iran — including on its nuclear programme — was reached. Iranian officials described the US position as a violation of the ceasefire understanding.

Merchant vessels in the area also received radio messages from the Iranian navy explicitly stating that the strait was once again closed to transit without approval.

India’s Stake and Earlier Efforts

India, which relies heavily on oil and LPG imports passing through the Gulf region, has been actively engaging with Iranian authorities for safe passage of its vessels. In recent weeks, Indian diplomatic and naval teams have coordinated to ensure the security of Indian seafarers and flagged ships amid repeated disruptions.

This is not the first such incident involving Indian-linked shipping during the ongoing crisis, though earlier attacks had occasionally resulted in casualties on other nationalities’ vessels. Indian officials have consistently condemned attacks on merchant shipping and emphasised the need to uphold freedom of navigation in international waters.

As of now, Indian authorities, including the Directorate General of Shipping and the Indian Navy, are closely monitoring the situation. Efforts are reportedly underway to facilitate safe rerouting or escorted passage for affected vessels where possible.

Global Implications

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive energy arteries. Any sustained disruption risks spiking global oil prices and exacerbating supply chain pressures at a time when the region is already grappling with the aftermath of weeks of conflict involving Israel, Iran, the US, and proxies in Lebanon.

Shipping insurance premiums for the Gulf have already risen sharply, and many operators have opted for longer reroutes around Africa, adding significant costs and delays.

The situation continues to evolve rapidly. Maritime security agencies have urged vessels transiting the area to exercise extreme caution, maintain high vigilance, and report any suspicious activity immediately.

No independent confirmation of direct hits causing structural damage to the Indian vessels has emerged so far. Both the UKMTO and shipping trackers have stressed that the primary outcome was the forced reversal of course rather than a prolonged assault.

Further updates are expected as diplomatic channels between New Delhi and Tehran activate and as more details from vessel operators become available.