Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats fired on two Indian-flagged merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, forcing them to turn back amid a sudden reimposition of maritime restrictions by Tehran.
The incident marked the first known use of force by Iran against Indian-flagged ships in the strategic waterway, according to Indian shipping officials. No injuries were reported, but both vessels sustained damage and reversed course.
The Sanmar Herald, a crude oil tanker carrying approximately 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude (about 260,000 tonnes), was approached by two IRGC gunboats without prior warning. The UK Maritime Operations Centre confirmed the gunboats then fired upon the tanker. Simultaneously, the Jag Arnav, a bulk carrier en route from Saudi Arabia’s Al Jubail port, was struck by an unknown projectile that damaged cargo containers but caused no fires or environmental spill.
Iran’s military had declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again on April 18, less than 24 hours after announcing it would remain open, citing a U.S. Naval blockade as justification. The reversal disrupted transit for multiple vessels, including Greek tankers, which also turned back after coming under fire.
India responded swiftly, summoning Iran’s ambassador to New Delhi, Mohammed Fathali, for a meeting with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Saturday evening. During the talks, Misri conveyed New Delhi’s deep concern over the attack and reminded Tehran of its prior role in facilitating safe passage for India-bound ships through the strait.
The Times of India reported that Iran’s representative in India, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, sought to downplay the incident on Sunday, stating the bilateral relationship remains “highly strong” and that Tehran had no knowledge of the event. He urged peace, saying, “We don’t want this war. We want peace, and we hope that the other side will also follow peace so that we can have a peaceful area.”
Despite the assurances, the firing represents a significant escalation in Iran’s enforcement of maritime controls in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil trade passes. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions, including ongoing U.S.-Iran friction over sanctions and naval presence in the Gulf.
For more on this story, see Trump Announces Immediate US Blockade of Strait of Hormuz as Iran Peace Talks Fail.
Indian officials emphasized that prior to April 18, at least nine Indian-flagged vessels had transited the strait safely in recent weeks, with 13 more waiting in the Persian Gulf for passage. The sudden shift in Iran’s stance has raised concerns about the reliability of the route for energy shipments.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack beyond the IRGC, which operates under Iran’s military command. Iranian authorities have not publicly detailed the rules of engagement that led to the firing, nor have they specified what conditions would prompt future closures.
Analysts note that Iran’s use of force against commercial vessels, even without casualties, risks triggering international maritime insurance penalties and could lead to rerouting of tankers around the Cape of Great Hope, significantly increasing transit times and costs.
India, which imports over 80% of its crude oil and relies heavily on Gulf supplies, has consistently advocated for freedom of navigation in international waters. The incident tests Tehran’s willingness to assert control without provoking a broader confrontation with major importers.
This follows our earlier report, Trump Announces US Naval Blockade of Iranian Ports.
As of April 19, no further attacks on Indian-flagged vessels have been reported, and diplomatic channels between New Delhi and Tehran remain active. However, the incident underscores the fragility of maritime security in the Gulf, where geopolitical tensions can rapidly disrupt commercial shipping.
Why did Iran close the Strait of Hormuz again after reopening it?
Iran cited a U.S. Naval blockade as the reason for reimposing restrictions on April 18, less than 24 hours after declaring the strait open, though no independent verification of the blockade claim was provided in the sources.
Were any crew members injured in the attack on the Indian ships?
No injuries were reported aboard either the Sanmar Herald or the Jag Arnav following the IRGC gunboat fire and projectile strike, according to Indian shipping officials and maritime monitoring centres.
What is the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global oil trade?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply, including major shipments from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE, transits daily, making it a critical chokepoint for global energy markets.
How has India responded diplomatically to the incident?
India summoned Iran’s ambassador to New Delhi for a meeting with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during which it conveyed deep concern over the attack and urged Tehran to resume safe passage for India-bound ships through the strait.
