New Delhi [India], March 12 (ANI): Amid rising tensions in West Asia that have disrupted key global fuel supply routes, sources said Iranian authorities have decided to allow Indian-flagged ships to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic has largely halted following recent attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran.
Earlier, the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Naval Force warned that vessels seeking to sail through the strategically critical strait must first obtain Iran’s approval or risk being targeted.
Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said that two ships which ignored Iran’s warnings were targeted in the Strait on Wednesday.
“Were the ships assured of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz? This should be asked of the crews of the vessels Express Rome and Mayuree Naree, who today, trusting in empty promises, ignored the warnings and intended to cross the Strait, but were caught. Any vessel intending to pass must obtain permission from Iran,” the Iranian commander said in a post on X.
According to Iranian state media, Tehran has intensified restrictions on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that vessels not serving the interests of the United States and Israel can transit the strait safely.
More than 20 million barrels of crude oil pass daily through the narrow waterway between the Iranian coast and Oman. This volume accounts for roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption and nearly a quarter of all seaborne oil trade. A significant portion of the world’s liquefied natural gas shipments also passes through the same route.
Any disruption to this flow can quickly impact financial markets, global supply chains, and consumer fuel prices worldwide.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of Shipping said on Wednesday that 28 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Persian Gulf region.
Of these, 24 vessels are located west of the Strait of Hormuz carrying 677 Indian seafarers, while four vessels are east of the strait with 101 Indian seafarers on board.
The ministry said the safety and security of these vessels and their crews are being closely monitored.
A 24-hour control room has been operational at the Ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping since February 28, 2026, to monitor developments and coordinate assistance.
Authorities, ship managers, and recruitment agencies are also coordinating with Indian embassies and local authorities to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and provide assistance where necessary.
The ministry said it is closely tracking the evolving maritime situation in the Persian Gulf with a focus on safeguarding Indian seafarers and Indian-flagged vessels.
It added that the government remains committed to protecting the welfare of Indian seafarers and safeguarding India’s maritime interests. (ANI)
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