International
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Amid reports of an alleged attack on Indian-flagged oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, a representative of Ali Khamenei in India has downplayed the incident, saying he has no information about it and expressing hope that the situation will be resolved peacefully.
Speaking on Saturday, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi highlighted the strong and longstanding ties between India and Iran. He noted that the relationship has been beneficial for both sides, particularly in ensuring the safe movement of Indian oil shipments through the strategically important maritime route.
Following alleged attacks on Indian tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s representative downplayed the incident, while India’s MEA summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest; two Indian vessels changed course due to the security concerns.
Ilahi reiterated that Iran does not want conflict and underlined the importance of maintaining peace in the region, adding that he expects all sides to act responsibly to avoid further escalation.
India Raises Concern with Iran
Following the reported incident, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned Iran’s ambassador Mohammad Fathali and lodged a formal protest. The move reflects India’s concern over the safety of its vessels navigating the critical oil corridor.
Confusion Over Strait Status, Ships Affected
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains fluid, with mixed signals from Tehran about whether the route is open for transit. The uncertainty has disrupted commercial shipping in the region.
According to reports, vessels linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps allegedly targeted ships passing through the strait. One tanker was reportedly fired upon, while a container ship sustained damage after being hit by a projectile.
Amid the tension, two Indian vessels were forced to change course and withdraw from the area, including a tanker transporting crude oil from Iraq.
Iran’s military authorities have since stated that the strait is under strict control, warning that shipping activity may remain restricted as long as tensions linked to the United States’ actions persist.
