India Summons Iranian Envoy After Tankers Come Under Fire in Strait of Hormuz
India has summoned Iran's ambassador following an incident where two Indian-flagged vessels were fired upon allegedly by the Iranian navy while attempting to pass through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. This aggressive action has prompted a formal diplomatic protest from Delhi, highlighting escalating tensions in a region vital for global oil supplies.
Diplomatic Protest Over Maritime Safety
India's foreign ministry summoned Ambassador Mohammad Fathali after the shooting incident, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveying the government's "deep concern" over the attack on two merchant ships bound for India. Misri emphasised the paramount importance India places on the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers, noting that Iran had previously facilitated the safe passage of several India-bound vessels.
"Reiterating his concern at this serious incident of firing on merchant ships, the foreign secretary urged the ambassador to convey India's views to the authorities in Iran and resume at the earliest the process of facilitating India-bound ships across the Strait," the ministry stated. It added that the ambassador "undertook to convey these views to the Iranian authorities."
Details of the Incident and Vessels Involved
The two vessels identified as the bulk carrier Jag Arnav and the crude oil tanker Sanmar Herald were targeted north of Oman. Officials confirmed there were no casualties, with the ships sustaining only minor damages, including shattered glass in one cabin. Both vessels turned back after coming under fire.
According to Marine Traffic data:
- Jag Arnav, sailing under the Indian flag, had departed Al Jubail in Saudi Arabia and was heading to India.
- Sanmar Herald was travelling to India with crude oil loaded in Iraq.
A distress transmission from Sanmar Herald later surfaced. In audio shared by Tanker Trackers, a crew member can be heard saying: "Sepah Navy. Sepah Navy. This is motor tanker Sanmar Herald. You gave me clearance to go. My name is second on your list. You are firing now. Let me turn back."
Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, lying between Iran and Oman, is one of the world's most crucial energy chokepoints. Approximately one-fifth of global crude shipments normally pass through this narrow waterway. India is among the countries with the highest number of vessels transiting the route due to its heavy dependence on energy imports from the Gulf region.
Indian officials stated the government is treating the alleged firing by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with utmost seriousness and continues to advocate for open and free navigation through the strait.
Broader Regional Tensions and Ceasefire Uncertainty
This confrontation occurred amid wider uncertainty over a fragile ceasefire involving the US and Iran, which is due to expire imminently. The conflict, now in its eighth week, has resulted in thousands of casualties, spread to include Israeli attacks in Lebanon, and driven oil prices higher due to the effective closure of the strait.
While Iran has not officially acknowledged the attack on the Indian tankers, it has cited restrictions on shipping due to an ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports. Iran's Supreme National Security Council labelled the blockade a ceasefire violation and asserted Iran would prevent "any conditional and limited reopening" of the strait.
Conflicting Statements from Iranian Officials
Earlier, Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, told NDTV that the strait would remain open for Indian ships, stating, "We have good contact with the [Indian] government for allowing their ships to sail through the Strait of Hormuz." However, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf declared Tehran would continue threatening commercial shipping through the waterway, asserting, "It is impossible for others to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while we cannot."
In separate comments, Qalibaf indicated recent talks with Washington had narrowed some differences but major gaps remained over nuclear issues and control of the strait. "We have had progress but there is still a big distance between us," he told state media.
US Response and International Repercussions
US President Donald Trump described there had been "very good conversations" with Tehran but also characterised Iran's actions over the strait as "blackmail." He defended the US blockade and warned he was prepared "to start dropping bombs again" unless a longer-term agreement was reached before the ceasefire expires.
Iranian deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told the Associated Press: "Americans are risking the international community, risking the global economy through these, I can say, miscalculations," adding that the US is "risking the whole ceasefire package."
Context of Iranian Naval Presence in the Region
The incident also unfolded while the Iranian warship IRIS Lavan remained docked at Kochi, India, after seeking refuge. Approximately 120 of its 183 crew members have been repatriated, with essential personnel remaining aboard to maintain the vessel. This ship arrived following the sinking of another Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, which was torpedoed by a US submarine near Sri Lanka on 4 March.
The latest disruption followed a temporary reopening of the strait announced by Iran on Friday after a separate US-brokered 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Tehran subsequently reversed course on Saturday and reimposed control over the route, underscoring the volatile and unpredictable nature of the current geopolitical landscape.
