The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called in Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, to discuss the recent shooting incident involving Indian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. India expressed deep concerns over the attack on two Indian-flagged ships, emphasizing the safety of merchant shipping and mariners. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri urged Iran to resume facilitating safe passage for India-bound ships and conveyed India’s stance on the matter.
The Iranian Ambassador assured that India’s concerns would be conveyed to the authorities in Iran. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the incident, reporting that a tanker and container ship were fired upon by IRGC gunboats. Iran declared that it had regained control of the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports, emphasizing strict management by the Iranian Armed Forces.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters stated that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz would remain tightly controlled until the US lifts restrictions on vessel movements to and from Iran. Vessel tracking data revealed that approximately 10 ships altered course on Saturday due to Iran’s renewed control over the waterway. The strategic waterway’s management by Iran led to ships turning back, with reports indicating a shift in maritime traffic patterns.
