Hormuz flashpoint: Gunboats, mystery strike and the attack on Indian vessels

A day after tensions flared in the Strait of Hormuz, more details have emerged about two Indian-flagged vessels that came under fire, triggering a swift diplomatic response from New Delhi.

The incident marks the first reported case of Iranian forces targeting Indian-flagged or owned merchant ships in the conflict-hit corridor. This comes even as several Indian vessels have transited the route safely in recent weeks — including the MT Desh Garima, which passed through on Saturday en route to Mumbai.

Indian ships targeted

The shipping ministry identified the vessels as Sanmar Herald, a crude oil tanker, and Jag Arnav, a bulk carrier. Both ships were navigating the Strait of Hormuz when they were reportedly fired upon by boats belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The vessels turned back after the incident, and no injuries were reported.

According to maritime tracking data, Sanmar Herald was carrying crude oil from Iraq to India, while Jag Arnav had departed from Al Jubail in Saudi Arabia and was also headed to India.

What happened at sea

Officials said the firing occurred in one of the world’s busiest and most sensitive shipping lanes. The UK Maritime Operations Centre reported that one tanker was approached by two IRGC gunboats without prior communication, after which shots were fired. The crew was unharmed.

In a separate nearby episode, another vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile, damaging some containers but causing no fire or environmental harm. Sources indicated both affected ships were Indian-flagged.

India lodges protest

Following the incident, India’s external affairs ministry summoned Iranian ambassador Mohammad Fathali for a meeting with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

During the meeting, India conveyed “deep concern” over the firing and stressed the importance of maritime safety. The government urged Tehran to ensure safe passage for India-bound ships and resume normal transit through the strait at the earliest.

The envoy assured that India’s concerns would be conveyed to authorities in Tehran.

Ceasefire tensions linger

The developments come amid broader regional strain linked to ongoing US-Iran tensions. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has said it will maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz until the conflict formally ends, warning that continued US actions — including what it calls a blockade of its ports — could be treated as violations of ceasefire conditions.

With diplomacy underway but trust fragile, the latest incidents have added to concerns over the safety of global shipping and energy supplies in the region.