Iranian Gunboats Fire at Two Indian-Flagged Vessels in Strait of Hormuz, Ships Forced to Turn Back

Two vessels registered under the Indian flag were reportedly fired upon by Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz on 18 April, according to official sources. The ships were not damaged and no crew members were injured, but both vessels were forced to retreat from the area.

One of the affected ships is believed to be a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), typically used for long-haul crude oil transport. The incident occurred northeast of Oman, a key corridor for global energy shipments.

Following the event, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it had summoned the Iranian ambassador and expressed “deep concern” over the firing incident. New Delhi emphasized the importance of maritime safety and urged Tehran to ensure secure passage for merchant vessels.

The Indian government also recalled earlier cooperation from Iran in facilitating safe passage of ships and requested continued coordination to avoid disruptions in the region’s shipping lanes.

The episode comes amid heightened instability in the Persian Gulf, where naval tensions and conflicting military operations have increasingly affected commercial shipping.

Iranian authorities have recently issued mixed signals regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz, at times declaring it open for trade while also warning of restrictions linked to broader regional confrontations involving the United States. The waterway remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, handling a significant share of global energy shipments.

Diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Tehran is ongoing as concerns grow over the safety of commercial navigation in the region.