Iranian navy fires at Indian crude oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz

Tehran: Tensions escalated in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz after an Indian crude oil tanker carrying nearly two million barrels of Iraqi oil was reportedly fired upon by Iranian forces north of Oman on Saturday, according to officials familiar with the development. The incident came shortly after reports that two Indian vessels had been forced to retreat from the region, raising fresh alarms over maritime security, as per a report by Hindustan Times.

The vessels involved were identified as Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald. Initial information indicates that Jag Arnav came under direct fire, while Sanmar Herald, despite being in close proximity, was not targeted and remained unharmed. The attack has intensified concerns about the safety of commercial shipping routes in one of the world’s most volatile maritime corridors.

Indian authorities are scrambling to verify the details, particularly as no Indian Navy warship is currently stationed within the strait. However, India does maintain a naval presence in the nearby Gulf of Oman, including two destroyers, a frigate, and a tanker. Officials have indicated that the firing, allegedly carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is being taken seriously, especially given India’s firm stance on ensuring free and open navigation through the crucial passage.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a lifeline for global energy supplies, accounting for roughly 20% of the world’s crude oil shipments. India, heavily dependent on Gulf energy imports, has a significant number of vessels transiting the route. The incident is particularly striking in light of Iran previously categorising India among friendly nations permitted safe passage, even as tensions linked to its conflict with the United States continue to disrupt regional stability.