2 Indian vessels fired upon, forced to reverse course in Hormuz
Indian-flagged supertanker among vessels forced to retreat after Iranian gunboats opened fire in the Strait of Hormuz, TankerTrackers reported, as Tehran reimposed control, escalating tensions and deepening global energy crisis fears.
Two Indian-flagged merchant vessels, including a supertanker, came under gunfire while attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official statement. They were forced to reverse course following gunfire from Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
The escalation comes amid duelling blockades by Iran and the United States, raising fresh concerns over global energy supplies and the risk of renewed conflict.
The vessels include an Indian-flagged supertanker carrying nearly 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil. Audio intercepts indicated IRGC gunboats fired during the encounter as ships were redirected westward.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre also confirmed two gunboats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard opened fire on a tanker transiting the strait.
Earlier, Reuters reported gunfire in the waters between the Qeshm and Larak islands. The vessels turned back without completing the crossing, while a container ship was also hit, according to a maritime security source.
Some ships picked up VHF broadcasts declaring the strait “completely closed again”.
“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,” the message said.
INDIA VESSELS FACE DISRUPTION IN STRAIT
Two Indian vessels were at the centre of an IRGC-controlled detour point near Larak island and had to return from there, while one vessel managed to cross the Strait earlier in the day.
Since morning, eight India-flagged or India-bound vessels had approached the Strait of Hormuz. Except for Desh Garima, seven others attempted transit but were later forced to turn back amid the heightened tensions.
Authorities said the Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and India-flagged ships in the region.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Ambassador has been summoned to lodge a formal protest post the incident. The government has reiterated that the safety of seafarers remains its top priority.
IRAN REIMPOSES STRICT CONTROL
Iran said it was reimposing restrictions on the strait in response to a US blockade on Iranian shipping and ports. It has largely prevented vessels from crossing throughout the seven-week-long war, except for those it authorises.
Iran’s joint military command later said “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state” under strict armed forces management, warning it would continue to block transit as long as the US blockade remained in place.
Iran had earlier allowed limited, regulated passage for oil tankers and commercial vessels following negotiations, describing it as a move made “in good faith”. That arrangement has now been rolled back.
Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, said the strait was “returning to the status quo”, which includes ships requiring Iranian naval authorisation and toll payments before transiting.
TENSIONS RISE DESPITE TRUCE SIGNALS
The shift came just a day after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared the strait open following a 10-day truce linked to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon, a key demand from Tehran.
However, that window closed quickly as tensions with Washington escalated. The United States has continued its campaign to choke Iranian shipping and ports, prompting Tehran’s retaliatory clampdown.
US President Donald Trump had earlier hinted at “some pretty good news” regarding Iran but warned that hostilities could resume if a broader agreement is not reached before the current ceasefire ends on Wednesday, April 22.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei also struck a defiant note, warning that the country’s navy was ready to deliver “new bitter defeats” to its adversaries.
ENERGY ROUTE UNDER THREAT
The Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly a fifth of global oil trade, remains at the centre of the crisis.
Earlier in the day, maritime tracking data showed a convoy of eight tankers navigating the passage — the first significant commercial movement since the US-Israeli war on Iran began seven weeks ago. However, the brief easing appeared short-lived.
With vessels now coming under direct fire and restrictions tightening again, uncertainty over the chokepoint is expected to deepen the ongoing energy crisis and disrupt global shipping routes.