Iranian gunboats fired on two Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, forcing them to reverse course. The incident occurred after Iran reimposed restrictions on the strategic waterway, reversing a brief reopening announced earlier. The attacks came amid escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S., which has maintained a blockade on Iranian ports. Key Facts:
- Incident Details: The motor tanker Sanmar Herald and another vessel were targeted, with one reportedly hit by an unknown projectile. Audio recordings captured crew members pleading with Iranian forces to allow them to turn back. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Center confirmed the attacks.
- Indian Response: India summoned Iran’s ambassador to lodge a strong protest, emphasizing the safety of merchant shipping and mariners. The foreign secretary urged Iran to resume facilitating India-bound ships.
Context and Implications:
Background of the Strait Closure:
Iran initially reopened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday following a 10-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah. However, Iranian officials reimposed restrictions after U.S. President Donald Trump declared the blockade on Iranian ports would remain in place. The U.S. had accused Iran of violating the agreement by failing to lift its own restrictions.
Shipping Disruptions:
As of Saturday, 13 Indian vessels were in the Persian Gulf west of the strait, six in the Gulf of Oman, and others in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. India has identified 17 vessels for evacuation, including crude oil tankers, LPG carriers, and LNG carriers. A total of 499 Indian seafarers remain in the region, with 2,487 already evacuated.
Global Impact:
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical energy transit route, carrying roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. The reimposed restrictions have raised concerns about global oil markets and shipping lanes, particularly as a fragile ceasefire in the region is set to expire.
Official Statements:
- Iran: Iranian officials justified the reimposition of restrictions as a response to the U.S. blockade, alleging that Washington had not lifted its own restrictions despite Iran’s compliance.
- U.S.: The U.S. maintained its blockade, accusing Iran of failing to uphold its commitments. President Trump stated the blockade would remain until Iran reached a deal with Washington.
- India: India expressed deep concern over the safety of its merchant ships and mariners, urging Iran to facilitate the passage of India-bound vessels.