SRINAGAR: Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified, disrupting one of the world’s most critical oil shipping lanes, with multiple vessels reportedly turning back after coming under fire or receiving warnings in the area.
An Indian supertanker was among those forced to reverse course on Saturday after reports of gunfire involving Iranian gunboats, according to the Associated Press. The vessel was carrying around two million barrels of Iraqi crude through the strait when it abruptly turned back.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), two gunboats belonging to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard opened fire on a tanker transiting the waterway. While the crew and vessel were reported safe, officials did not disclose the ship’s identity or its destination. Tanker tracking service TankerTrackers.com also reported that multiple vessels, including an Indian-flagged supertanker, reversed course following the incident.
At least two merchant vessels also came under fire while attempting to transit the strait on Saturday, according to Reuters.
The situation has been further complicated by uncertainty surrounding regional developments. Bloomberg reported that Indian crude tankers turned back amid confusion over security conditions, as ongoing US–Iran discussions have yet to yield clear outcomes. Several Greek tankers were also reported to have turned away earlier in the day, reflecting growing caution among ship operators.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil transit routes, has seen sharply reduced traffic following seven weeks of heightened tensions linked to US President Donald Trump’s “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation.
Although a temporary 10-day ceasefire linked to broader regional de-escalation efforts involving Israel and Lebanon had raised hopes of limited stability, shipping activity remains uncertain. Trump announced the truce, describing it as part of wider efforts to ease regional conflicts.
Despite the unrest, some vessels continue to move through the area. The FPMC C Lord, a very large crude carrier transporting Qatari and Saudi oil, was observed sailing south of Iran’s Larak Island towards the Gulf of Oman around midday on Saturday, with its declared destination listed as Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
Other tankers are also approaching the waterway. Earlier in the day, three liquefied petroleum gas carriers and an oil products tanker—some under US sanctions—entered the Gulf of Oman, followed by a Pakistan-flagged tanker. Several liquefied natural gas carriers are also reported to be nearing the strait.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz remained “completely open” to commercial shipping during the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, offering temporary reassurance to markets and shipping operators.
However, Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency later reported that the passage could be closed if a US naval blockade continues. Shipowners operating in the Persian Gulf have also reported radio advisories instructing vessels to seek permission before entering the strait.
