The vessels have been identified as the crude oil tanker Sanmar Herald and the bulk carrier Jag Arnav. Both ships were en route to India when they were reportedly targeted while transiting the narrow waterway near Oman.
According to maritime security sources, the ships were approached by boats believed to belong to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Reports indicate that at least two IRGC gunboats intercepted one of the vessels without issuing a prior radio warning before opening fire. The tanker later turned back following the incident.
In a separate but nearby incident, another ship in the same area was struck by what officials described as an “unknown projectile,” which caused damage to containers on board. However, no fires, environmental damage, or casualties were reported in either case.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center confirmed that the affected tanker and its crew remained safe despite the attack.
In a separate but nearby incident, another ship in the same area was struck by what officials described as an “unknown projectile,” which caused damage to containers on board. However, no fires, environmental damage, or casualties were reported in either case.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center confirmed that the affected tanker and its crew remained safe despite the attack.
The agency also noted unusual activity involving armed vessels in the region at the time of the incident, underscoring growing tensions in the strategically vital shipping lane.
The Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant portion of global oil shipments, has recently seen heightened instability amid broader regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and other actors.
The Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant portion of global oil shipments, has recently seen heightened instability amid broader regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and other actors.
The latest incident marks a rare case in which Indian-flagged commercial vessels have been directly fired upon in the area.
Following the attack, India moved quickly to respond diplomatically. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi, expressing “deep concern” over the firing incident and urging Iran to ensure the safety of commercial shipping through the strait.
Officials also called for immediate steps to facilitate the safe passage of India-bound vessels and to prevent further escalation in the region.
While investigations are ongoing, the incident has heightened anxiety among global shipping operators, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a key chokepoint for international energy supplies. Authorities are expected to release further assessments as more details emerge.
Following the attack, India moved quickly to respond diplomatically. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi, expressing “deep concern” over the firing incident and urging Iran to ensure the safety of commercial shipping through the strait.
Officials also called for immediate steps to facilitate the safe passage of India-bound vessels and to prevent further escalation in the region.
While investigations are ongoing, the incident has heightened anxiety among global shipping operators, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a key chokepoint for international energy supplies. Authorities are expected to release further assessments as more details emerge.
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