Two Indian-flagged crude-oil vessels were fired upon by Iranian gunboats while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz on April 18 [1], [2].

The incident escalates regional tensions as Iran links the blockade of the critical waterway to U.S. sanctions and port restrictions. This confrontation threatens maritime security for neutral trading partners and disrupts global energy supply chains.

Gunboats from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) opened fire on the two vessels [1], [3]. The ships, which were transporting crude oil [4], were forced to turn back after the attack [2]. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, serves as one of the world's most vital oil transit chokepoints [1], [2].

In response, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Iranian envoy to New Delhi. A spokesperson for the ministry said, "India has called in the Iranian envoy to New Delhi and flagged its deep concern over the attack on the two Indian‑flagged ships" [1].

Iran has justified its actions as a response to American foreign policy. The Iranian foreign ministry said, "Iran will continue to block transit through the Strait of Hormuz as long as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect" [3].

This policy has led the IRGC to target vessels it deems to be violating the blockade [3]. The attack on the Indian ships marks a significant point of friction between New Delhi and Tehran, as India relies heavily on maritime trade for its energy needs [1].

Reports regarding the movement of the ships after the firing vary. Some reports state the vessels were simply attempting to cross when attacked [1], while others specify they were forced back west out of the strait [2].

“"India has called in the Iranian envoy to New Delhi and flagged its deep concern over the attack on the two Indian‑flagged ships"”

The incident demonstrates that Iran is willing to use kinetic force against non-U.S. vessels to pressure the United States into lifting port blockades. For India, this creates a precarious diplomatic balancing act; New Delhi must protect its commercial shipping and energy security without being drawn into the direct geopolitical conflict between Washington and Tehran.