Two Indian-flagged crude oil tankers were fired upon while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, in an incident confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The firing took place as the vessels attempted to pass through one of the world’s most critical maritime routes for energy shipments.
According to official information, Iranian naval units approached the vessels and opened fire as they moved through the narrow corridor linking the Gulf to global markets. One of the tankers, carrying nearly two million barrels of crude oil, sustained minor damage, including a shattered window. No injuries were reported among crew members on either vessel.
Both ships were forced to halt transit and withdraw from the area. The incident marks a significant escalation in the region, where merchant vessels have previously encountered warnings and surveillance but rarely direct gunfire.
Ships turn back
The disruption extended beyond the two tankers directly involved. Multiple India-bound vessels navigating the same corridor altered course after receiving radio warnings and observing the escalation at sea.
Shipping data and government-linked sources indicated that a group of vessels attempting to cross the strait reduced movement or turned back amid uncertainty over passage conditions. Around 14 ships heading towards the passage were affected during the episode. Of these, most vessels reversed course after the firing, while at least one managed to complete the transit.
The ships involved included crude carriers transporting energy supplies to Indian ports as well as cargo vessels operating in nearby waters. Reports also indicated that ships not linked to India were affected, including at least one container vessel that was struck during the escalation.
Crew members aboard several vessels reported abrupt changes in navigation orders, with ships executing sudden turnarounds after warnings were broadcast. The movement created congestion in the already narrow passage and delayed onward journeys.
Iran’s position
Iranian authorities issued radio warnings to vessels in the area, declaring restrictions on movement through the strait. These warnings were followed by direct enforcement actions at sea.
An Iranian naval spokesperson said, “The Strait of Hormuz is under our control and restrictions will be enforced in response to hostile actions against Iran.”
The sequence of communication created uncertainty among vessels already in transit. Ships initially received indications that limited passage remained possible, but this position shifted within hours as warnings were intensified and enforcement measures followed.
Naval units, including fast-moving patrol boats, approached vessels during the incident. The escalation from broadcast warnings to gunfire left little time for ships to adjust course, contributing to the widespread withdrawal from the area.
India’s response
India lodged a formal protest with Iran and summoned the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi following the incident. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed India’s concerns to Ambassador Mohammad Fathali.
Officials called for accountability and stressed the need to ensure the safety of Indian vessels and crew operating in international waters. In an official statement, India said, “We expect the safe and uninterrupted passage of Indian vessels through international waterways and the prompt movement of India-bound ships.”
The government said it was closely monitoring developments and remained in contact with relevant authorities. The situation has also been reviewed at senior levels, with a focus on ensuring continuity of maritime trade routes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not issued a public statement on the incident.
Strategic impact
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical maritime chokepoints in the world, handling a substantial share of global oil shipments. For India, the route is central to crude oil imports from the Gulf, making any disruption a matter of immediate concern.
Following the firing, several vessels delayed transit or remained outside the strait while operators assessed safety conditions. The temporary halt in movement of multiple ships highlighted the vulnerability of supply chains that depend on uninterrupted passage through the corridor.
Shipping activity in the region adjusted quickly after the incident, with some vessels waiting for further clarity before attempting transit. The episode has raised concerns over the security of commercial navigation in a region already under strain from wider geopolitical tensions.
The situation remains under close watch as diplomatic engagement continues and maritime traffic responds to evolving conditions in the Strait of Hormuz.
