In a significant escalation of hostilities in the Persian Gulf, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboats have fired on commercial ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz. This aggressive act forced numerous vessels to retreat, while Iranian authorities declared the crucial waterway closed, contradicting earlier statements.
Reports from maritime security agencies indicate that IRGC gunboats approached vessels, issuing warning shots and, in some cases, live ammunition. Captains described a harrowing scene with “bullets raining” on their ships, including both a tanker and a container ship.
Among the affected vessels were two Indian-flagged ships, the VLCC supertanker Jag Annapurna, carrying nearly 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil, and the Sanmar Herald, both forced westward out of the strait near Larak Island.
As tensions escalated, shipping data revealed at least six additional tankers altered their courses amid the turmoil. Fortunately, no significant injuries were reported, but the incident threatens the fragile ceasefire agreed upon between the United States and Iran.
The gunfire coincided with Iran’s military broadcasting warnings to vessels, proclaiming the Strait of Hormuz “completely closed” due to alleged U.S. “piracy” and unfulfilled commitments. This contradicts Iran’s announcement from April 17 that the waterway would remain open during the truce.
Tehran had characterized the earlier reopening as a gesture of goodwill tied to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. However, shortly thereafter, Iranian officials cited U.S. naval operations as a justification for once again restricting passage.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reiterated that the strait “will not remain open” if the U.S. blockade continues.
The incident has provoked swift international outrage, particularly from India, a major oil importer that relies on the strait. New Delhi summoned Iranian Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Fathali to discuss the incident involving the Indian-flagged vessels.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed India’s “deep concern” over the shooting, emphasizing the need for Tehran to ensure safe passage for merchant ships, recalling past adherence to such commitments.
Just a day before the attacks, U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed optimism, suggesting Iran’s agreement to keep the strait open indefinitely and citing “very good” progress in negotiations, including potential discussions on Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump noted that the U.S. blockade of Iranian vessels would remain in effect until a comprehensive agreement is finalized. He set an informal deadline around April 22, warning that without a deal, military action may become necessary.
