Delhi summons Tehran envoy after attack on Indian ships

way2barak, April 19 : India on Saturday summoned Iranian ambassador Mohammad Fathali to register a protest against two India-flagged merchant ships being shot at in the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri conveyed India’s deep concern at the shooting, which had happened earlier on Saturday, an external affairs ministry statement said.

Misri underscored the importance that New Delhi attaches to the safety of merchant shipping and mariners, recalling Iran had earlier facilitated the safe passage of several India-bound ships.

He reiterated his concern over the firing and urged the ambassador to convey India’s views to Iranian authorities and help ensure the resumption of the process of facilitating India-bound ships across the strait.

Reuters said Iran’s IRGC Navy gunboats had fired warning shots at the India-flagged tankers in the waters between the Qeshm and Larak islands. No casualties were reported. Both vessels reportedly suffered minor damage.

The agency said some vessels had reported that Iran’s navy was broadcasting a VHF (very high frequency) message saying the strait had been closed again.

“Attention all ships, regarding the failure of the US government to fulfil its commitment in the negotiation, Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz completely closed again. No vessel of any type or nationality is allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” the radio message said.

Saturday’s developments came after President Donald Trump said the blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with the US that includes its nuclear programme. Tehran had reopened the strait on Friday to commercial vessels.

Despite the escalation, Pakistani officials said the US and Iran were still moving closer to a deal ahead of the April 22 ceasefire deadline.