Two Indian-flagged ships attacked by Iran in Hormuz; Centre summons Iranian ambassador

NEW DELHI: After the U.S. lifted sanctions, Iranian forces closed the Strait of Hormuz and opened fire on Indian ships. Iranian gunboats fired at two vessels flying the Indian flag. Reports say no one was injured and the ships were not damaged. The incident took place in a shipping lane northeast of Oman. After the firing, the ships were forced to turn back. One of the vessels was carrying crude oil and was heading to India.

Following the incident, the Indian government summoned the Iranian Ambassador in Delhi and lodged a protest. India has reportedly asked under what authority Iran attacked civilian ships. The Directorate General of Shipping said it is closely monitoring the situation. It also assured that steps will be taken to ensure the safety of Indian sailors and vessels. Sources said that the Ministry of External Affairs will soon release an official statement on the issue.

Iran opened fire on Saturday afternoon. The attack targeted the vessel Jag Arnav, which was moving north of Oman, and the supertanker Sanmar Herald, carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil. Both ships immediately made a U-turn and retreated. An airstrike was also reported on a cargo ship near Oman, though its nationality is not yet known.

After Israel halted its attacks in Lebanon, Iran had reopened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. However, it closed the strait again after the United States refused to lift sanctions imposed on Iranian ports and ships.

Attacked without warning

• Iranian boats reportedly approached at high speed and opened fire without issuing any radio warning.
• Around 20 ships, including an LNG tanker bound for India, turned back toward the Persian Gulf.
• About 15 vessels, including the Indian LPG tanker Green Sanvi, managed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Insurance for cargo ships The Union Cabinet has approved the formation of a Rs 12,980 crore Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool) for cargo vessels. The aim is to ensure affordable insurance for the shipping sector and reduce dependence on global insurance groups that dominate the marine insurance market. Indian-flagged ships will receive coverage for cargo movement to and from India.