India summons Iranian envoy after firing on Indian ships in Strait of Hormuz
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India on Saturday summoned Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, after a shooting incident involving two Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over the safety of merchant shipping in one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the envoy was called in for a meeting with foreign secretary Vikram Misri, who conveyed India’s “deep concern” over the incident and stressed the importance New Delhi attaches to the safety of Indian mariners and commercial shipping.
During the meeting, Misri urged Tehran to “resume at the earliest the process of facilitating India-bound ships across the Strait,” indicating the seriousness with which India views disruptions in the strategically vital waterway.
Hormuz Shut Again Amid Escalation
The situation worsened hours after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again, reversing a brief easing of restrictions earlier in the day.
The closure comes amid a sharp escalation in the US-Iran standoff, with Washington stepping up pressure on Tehran.
According to reports, the US military is preparing to board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize vessels in international waters, as part of efforts to “step up economic pressure” and force Iran to reopen the Strait.
US officials have also said that the blockade would “actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any ship providing material support to Iran.”
Hormuz tensions escalate
The geopolitical standoff has also intensified at the political level.
Iran has reportedly refused to engage in another round of talks with the US, citing pressure tactics including the blockade and what it described as “unreasonable demands.”
US President Donald Trump said “Iran cannot blackmail us” with threats to shut the Strait, adding that more clarity on the situation would emerge by the end of the day.
Iran had earlier indicated a temporary easing of restrictions on maritime movement before tightening control again, leading to confusion and heightened risk for vessels navigating the corridor.
According to reports, a convoy of commercial vessels was disrupted, with several ships reversing course due to uncertainty over safe passage.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of global oil supplies pass, has once again become a flashpoint for global energy markets.
Iran is estimated to be exporting over 2 million barrels of oil per day, volumes that are now at risk amid tightening enforcement and potential seizures.