Iran Attacks India-Bound Ship Near Strait Of Hormuz, Tensions Rise

Iran on Wednesday attacked two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, including one en route to India’s Mundra Port, just hours after US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite ceasefire.

According to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC-N), the ships targeted were MSC Francesca and Epaminodas.

Shipping data indicated that the Liberian-flagged Epaminodas was travelling from Jebel Ali port in Dubai to Mundra in Gujarat. It was scheduled to arrive on Thursday.

The vessel is reportedly owned by Greek firm Kalmar Maritime LLC.

Iranian state media reported that both ships were attacked and taken over, citing allegations that they were operating without authorisation.

A British naval monitoring agency confirmed that two vessels were fired upon by IRGC gunboats, with one suffering heavy damage and the other escaping without reported harm. It did not verify Iran’s claim of seizure or name the vessels.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre stated that one container ship sustained serious damage to its bridge after being fired upon without prior radio contact, though all crew members were reported safe. The second cargo vessel also reported no casualties.

The incident follows earlier attacks on Indian vessels in the same region, prompting India to lodge a strong protest with Iran. Tehran has justified its actions by accusing vessels of tampering with navigation systems and attempting covert passage.

Iran seeks to assert control over the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. A significant share of global oil and gas supplies passes through it. The move is also seen as retaliation for the US seizure of an Iranian ship on April 19.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, the US has maintained its naval blockade of Iranian ports, underscoring ongoing tensions in the region.

Also Read: President Trump Expands Maritime Crackdown On Iran With Indian Ocean Oil Seizure