Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) opened fire on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, April 18, 2026, forcing two Indian-flagged ships to turn back. The incident happened shortly after Iran announced it was reimposing strict control over the vital waterway.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), two IRGC gunboats approached a tanker about 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman and fired without giving any radio warning. The tanker’s captain reported the attack, but the crew remained safe. Maritime tracking services said two Indian vessels, including a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) supertanker named Sanmar Herald, were forced to reverse course westward.
The Indian supertanker was carrying around two million barrels of Iraqi crude oil. Another Indian ship, reportedly Jag Arnav, was also involved in the incident. Audio recordings and shipping monitors confirmed that gunfire was used as the vessels tried to enter the strait.
This event took place just hours after Iran had partially reopened its airspace and claimed the strait was open for international shipping. However, Tehran quickly reversed its position, accusing the United States of violating ceasefire terms. The IRGC warned that all ships must now follow its rules or face consequences.
India reacted strongly and summoned Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi to protest. Indian officials stressed the need for safe and free passage in the Strait of Hormuz, which carries nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply.
No major damage or injuries were reported on the Indian ships, but the firing has raised fresh fears about maritime security and higher oil prices.
