The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called in Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, regarding the recent shooting incident involving Indian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Indian-flagged ships, including a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), were reportedly fired upon by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboats. Fortunately, the tanker and crew are safe.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Center confirmed the attack on a tanker by IRGC gunboats. A warning was issued by UKMTO about an incident involving a Container Ship hit by an unknown projectile, causing damage to containers but with no fires or environmental impact reported. Investigations are ongoing into both incidents.
Iran declared that it has regained control of the Strait of Hormuz amidst the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. The Iranian Armed Forces are said to be strictly managing and controlling the strategic waterway, as stated by Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters’ spokesman. The situation is expected to remain unchanged until the US lifts restrictions on vessel movements to and from Iran.
Vessel tracking data revealed that approximately 10 ships altered course on Saturday to avoid passing through the Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s reassertion of control over the area. The ships changed direction near Larak Island, a region utilized by Iran for monitoring maritime traffic.
