IRGC Fires Warning Shots at Indian Ships in Strait of Hormuz
On April 18, 2026, two Indian-flagged vessels, the oil supertanker ‘Sanmar Herald’ and the bulk carrier ‘Jag Arnav’, were fired upon by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) while navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred amid confusion regarding the safety of maritime transit in the region. Shipping industry officials reported that some vessels believed they could safely pass through the strait, only to be met with warning shots that forced them to retreat.
The ‘Sanmar Herald’, carrying approximately 200,000 tonnes of crude oil, and the ‘Jag Arnav’, loaded with urea destined for India, were both inside the strait when hostilities escalated. Despite U.S. claims that the strait was open for navigation, a shipping industry representative stated, “The Strait of Hormuz is not at all open.” This contradiction has left many vessels in a state of uncertainty regarding their ability to transit the vital waterway.
Ongoing Tensions and Shipping Delays
Earlier that day, another oil supertanker, ‘Desh Garima’, managed to exit the Strait of Hormuz safely. Following this, several trapped ships attempted to follow suit after Iran indicated it would allow transit in coordination with the IRGC and the Navy. However, the situation quickly deteriorated when Iran announced that ongoing fighting in Lebanon would prevent any further maritime transit.
Chinese Cargo Ships Successfully Transit Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions
As a result, vessels that had been waiting to navigate the strait, including ‘Desh Suraksha’, ‘Desh Vaibhav’, and ‘Desh Vibhor’, all owned by the Shipping Corporation of India, have been forced to return to their previous anchorage. These ships have been stranded in the Persian Gulf for over 45 days, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by maritime operations in the region.
A second shipping industry official remarked, “We must assume that free passage is not currently in effect.” The situation remains fluid, and the fate of numerous vessels continues to hang in the balance as tensions in the region persist. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, remains a focal point of geopolitical strife, impacting shipping routes and trade dynamics.
