The reports have heightened concerns among shipping companies and insurers, many of whom remain cautious about resuming normal operations in the region.
Ambassador of Iran to India, Dr Mohammad Fathali leaves from the Ministry of External Affairs (Credits: ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs called the Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali on Saturday and lodged a formal protest with Iran’s Ambassador to India over the firing incident involving an Indian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
During the meeting, MEA conveyed its deep concern over the incident earlier in the day. The Foreign Secretary stressed the importance India places on the safety of merchant shipping and seafarers and noted that Iran had previously helped ensure safe passage for vessels bound for India.
“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,” said an official statement by the MEA.
“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,” it added.
The Iranian Ambassador, in response, assured that India’s concerns would be conveyed to the relevant authorities in Iran.
Meanwhile, the firing is being seen as a signal to vessels attempting to pass without prior IRGC clearance, despite earlier assurances that the Strait of Hormuz was open.
Officials noted that while Iran’s Foreign Minister had indicated safe passage during the Lebanon ceasefire, the IRGC—which controls operations at sea—continues to enforce strict rules, including prior permission and designated routes.
The government sources said there was general small arms firing in the area when two Indian vessels near the narrow stretch of the Strait of Hormuz were struck by stray bullets. Officials clarified that the ships were not specifically targeted.
Both vessels suffered minor damage, with one bridge window on each ship hit. No other damage or injuries have been reported.
The reports have heightened concerns among shipping companies and insurers, many of whom remain cautious about resuming normal operations in the region.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported a security incident roughly 20 nautical miles off the coast of Oman.
A tanker’s captain told authorities that two gunboats, believed to be linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, approached the vessel and fired shots. Despite the scare, the ship’s crew was unharmed.
In another development, a container vessel in the region was also reportedly hit by gunfire, according to a maritime security source.
Several ships navigating the area said they picked up a VHF radio broadcast attributed to Iran’s navy, announcing that the Strait of Hormuz had been shut once again.
“Attention all ships, regarding the failure of the U.S. 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,” the message said.
The uncertainty has left a large number of vessels unable to move forward. Hundreds of ships, along with nearly 20,000 seafarers, are currently waiting in the Gulf for clearance. The Strait remains one of the world’s most critical energy routes, handling about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
April 18, 2026, 18:36 IST
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