West Asia Crisis / Two India-Flagged Vessels Fired Upon in Strait of Hormuz, Forced to Turn Back
·2 hours ago·2 min read
Key Points
Two India-flagged merchant vessels, including a supertanker, were fired upon while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, forcing them to reverse course.
New Delhi, Apr 18: Two India-flagged merchant vessels, including a supertanker, were reportedly fired upon while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, forcing them to reverse course amid escalating tensions in the region.
According to maritime monitoring firm TankerTrackers and multiple security sources, the vessels came under gunfire allegedly from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Audio intercepts suggested IRGC gunboats opened fire as the ships were redirected westward.
Gunfire Reported, Ships Turn Back
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre also confirmed that two gunboats linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard fired on a tanker transiting the strait. Earlier reports indicated gunfire between Qeshm and Larak islands, with at least one container vessel also said to have been hit.
Some ships reportedly intercepted VHF broadcasts declaring the strait “completely closed again,” warning that no vessels would be allowed passage.
Crew Safe, India Lodges Protest
Government sources confirmed that an India-flagged vessel was among those targeted. However, no injuries or damage have been reported so far.
Authorities said the Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers. The Iranian Ambassador has also been summoned to lodge a formal protest.
Iran Reimposes Restrictions
Iran has reimposed strict control over the strait, citing a US blockade on its shipping and ports. Officials indicated that vessel movement would now require Iranian authorisation, along with compliance measures such as toll payments.
Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary National Security Commission, said the strait was returning to a “status quo” involving tighter regulation.
Tensions Rise Despite Truce Signals
The development comes shortly after Abbas Araghchi had announced a temporary easing following a 10-day truce linked to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly amid continued US pressure on Iranian shipping.
US President Donald Trump earlier hinted at possible diplomatic progress but warned that hostilities could resume if no broader agreement is reached.
Also Read: India Sends Additional 5,000 Tonnes of Diesel to Bangladesh via 'Friendship Pipeline'
Critical Global Energy Route at Risk
Maritime data had earlier shown limited movement of tankers resuming, but the latest incident underscores renewed risks to global energy supply chains and shipping routes.
According to maritime monitoring firm TankerTrackers and multiple security sources, the vessels came under gunfire allegedly from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Audio intercepts suggested IRGC gunboats opened fire as the ships were redirected westward.
Gunfire Reported, Ships Turn Back
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre also confirmed that two gunboats linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard fired on a tanker transiting the strait. Earlier reports indicated gunfire between Qeshm and Larak islands, with at least one container vessel also said to have been hit.
Some ships reportedly intercepted VHF broadcasts declaring the strait “completely closed again,” warning that no vessels would be allowed passage.
Crew Safe, India Lodges Protest
Government sources confirmed that an India-flagged vessel was among those targeted. However, no injuries or damage have been reported so far.
Authorities said the Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers. The Iranian Ambassador has also been summoned to lodge a formal protest.
Iran Reimposes Restrictions
Iran has reimposed strict control over the strait, citing a US blockade on its shipping and ports. Officials indicated that vessel movement would now require Iranian authorisation, along with compliance measures such as toll payments.
Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary National Security Commission, said the strait was returning to a “status quo” involving tighter regulation.
Tensions Rise Despite Truce Signals
The development comes shortly after Abbas Araghchi had announced a temporary easing following a 10-day truce linked to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly amid continued US pressure on Iranian shipping.
US President Donald Trump earlier hinted at possible diplomatic progress but warned that hostilities could resume if no broader agreement is reached.
Also Read: India Sends Additional 5,000 Tonnes of Diesel to Bangladesh via 'Friendship Pipeline'
Critical Global Energy Route at Risk
Maritime data had earlier shown limited movement of tankers resuming, but the latest incident underscores renewed risks to global energy supply chains and shipping routes.
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