Hormuz Tensions: Indian Ships Forced to Turn Back?

Within hours of announcing that the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open” for commercial vessels till the remaining ceasefire period, the Iranian authorities reimposed restrictions on the vital water channel, which transports around 20% of global oil supply.

On Friday, Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the Strait was completely open but on Saturday, four Indian and two Greek vessels could not pass through the vital waterway. Iran said that it is reimposing the restrictions on the vital Strait as the US continues with its blockade on Iran ships and ports. Iran said that the blockade was a violation of last week’s ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump imposed the blockade after Iran restricted traffic through the strait following fighting in Lebanon, which Iran said was a breach of the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire. However, Trump suggested a second round of direct US-Iran talks are likely to be held this weekend.

Soon as Iran declared that the Strait of Hormuz would be completely open, Trump praised Iran but stressed that the blockade of Iranian ports and shipping vessels would remain in place.

According to the data received, Indian tankers Sanmar Herald, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Garima, Desh Vibhor, were heading towards Hormuz but turned around after they got warning over the radio they there is no clearance from the Iranian navy to transit Hormuz, Bloomberg reports said. Two Greek tankers — Nissos Keros and Minerva Evropi also turned around without heading towards Hormuz.

Meanwhile, there are reports that two Indian-flagged vessels were fired at by the Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz today. One of the two vessels involved in the incident is a very large crude carrier (VLCC). However, the crew of both vessels are reported to be safe.

After the firing incident, New Delhi summoned the Iranian ambassador, sources said.