Two Indian-flagged merchant vessels, including the motor tanker Sanmar Herald, came under gunfire from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. In a recorded distress call, the Sanmar Herald's captain urgently radioed: "Sepah Navy! Sepah Navy! This is a motor tanker Sanmar Herald! You gave me clearance to go! My name is second on your list! You gave me clearance to go! You are firing now! Let me turn back!" The IRGC gunboats opened fire as the vessels were being redirected westward, prompting them to reverse course. The supertanker involved was carrying nearly 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil at the time. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the incident, noting that two IRGC gunboats fired on a tanker in the strait. A container ship was reportedly hit during the episode, and several vessels received VHF broadcasts declaring the Strait of Hormuz "completely closed again" due to unmet US commitments in ongoing negotiations. India summoned the Iranian ambassador to lodge a formal protest, expressing "deep concern" over the incident. The Ministry of External Affairs urged Iran to ensure the early resumption of safe passage for India-bound ships. The ambassador said he would relay the concerns. The Directorate General of Shipping is monitoring the situation to protect Indian seafarers and vessels. Iran's representative of the Supreme Leader in India, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, claimed he was unaware of the incident, stating that Iran-India ties remain strong.
The IRGC gave the Sanmar Herald clearance to proceed, then opened fire on it—raising questions about the reliability of Iran's own coordination during maritime operations. The tanker was carrying nearly 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil, meaning any disruption directly affects energy shipments that Indian refiners depend on. If Iranian forces are issuing contradictory orders in critical waterways, Indian commercial interests face unpredictable risks with no diplomatic warning. Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi's claim of ignorance does not absolve the need for accountability when Indian-flagged vessels are targeted.
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