Iran Re-closes Strait of Hormuz Amid Ship Attacks, Indian Tankers Fired Upon

Desk Correspondent , Tehran - Iran's IRGC Navy fully re-closed the Strait of Hormuz on April 17, 2026, imposing a strict blockade against unauthorized vessels in direct response to ongoing US naval blockades of Iranian ports, triggering attacks on multiple merchant ships including two prominent Indian flagged oil tankers. UKMTO verified incidents off Oman's coast involving a tanker, container ship, and others, representing the latest escalation in a pattern of disruptions despite Iran's inconsistent safe passage pledges during the US-Iran conflict.

The VLCC tanker Sanmar Herald and crude carrier Jag Arnav endured sustained IRGC gunboat fire including warning shots, tracer rounds, and small arms fire while attempting transit without prior clearance, with leaked audio capturing crews' frantic radio pleas such as "Let us go, we are Indian vessel" before forced retreats. Remarkably, no crew injuries or significant vessel damage were reported, yet India's Ministry of External Affairs swiftly summoned Iran's ambassador in New Delhi, lodging a strong protest over breaches of established transit protocols and insisting on guaranteed access for vital crude oil imports from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf suppliers that form 80% of India's energy needs.

Handling 20% of global oil flows, the Hormuz chokepoint's shutdown has propelled Brent crude prices up over 12% in days, stranding over 50 vessels, disrupting supply chains, and heightening fears of broader regional war involvement from Gulf states. US President Trump signed a measured executive response order while publicly minimizing immediate escalation risks, even as Pakistan's ongoing mediation via Army Chief Asim Munir in Tehran offers faint hopes for de-escalation, India, meanwhile, scrambles alternative routes and stockpiles amid surging domestic fuel costs.