India has lodged a formal protest with Iran after two Indian-flagged crude oil tankers came under fire near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, according to people familiar with the matter. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Iran’s Ambassador to India, Dr Mohammad Fathali, for a late evening meeting to convey New Delhi’s concerns.
MEA raises concern over maritime safety
In an official statement, the MEA said, “The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi was called in by the Ministry of External Affairs for a meeting with Foreign Secretary this evening. During the meeting, Foreign Secretary conveyed India’s deep concern at the shooting incident earlier today involving two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted the importance that India attached to the safety of merchant shipping and mariners and recalled that Iran had earlier facilitated the safe passage of several ships bound for India. Reiterating his concern at this serious incident of firing on merchant ships, 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 Ambassador of Iran undertook to convey these views to the Iranian authorities,” the ministry added.
Reason remains unclear
The vessels involved, Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald, were carrying Iraqi crude oil when they were fired upon north of Oman, sources said. The exact trigger behind the incident remains unclear, and Indian officials are assessing the situation.
There was no Indian naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz at the time, though India has deployed two destroyers, a frigate, and a tanker in the nearby Gulf of Oman.
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Strait tensions escalate again
The development comes amid renewed tensions in the region. The UK Navy reported that Iranian gunboats had opened fire at ships attempting to pass through the strait. Some vessels also received radio warnings stating that the passage had been shut again.
A broadcast message reportedly said, “Attention all ships, regarding the failure of the US government to fulfil its commitment in the negotiation, Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz completely closed again. No vessel of any type or nationality is allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Iran’s military later said tighter control had been reinstated over the strait, citing what it described as repeated US violations and acts of “piracy.”
