Conflicting claims emerge as Indian sources say Iran may allow Indian-flagged tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, while regional attacks on vessels raise fears of oil supply disruptions
New Delhi: In a major development amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran may allow Indian-flagged oil tankers to pass safely through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route that handles nearly 40 per cent of India’s crude oil imports, according to Indian sources on Thursday.
However, the development has been clouded by uncertainty after Iranian sources outside the country denied that any such agreement had been formally signed, creating confusion about the status of shipping arrangements in the volatile region.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi did not immediately respond to requests for official confirmation regarding the reported arrangement.
Shipping Safety Concerns Rise in Strait of Hormuz
The uncertainty comes at a time when commercial shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has come under increasing threat amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
In the latest incident, a Thai-flagged vessel heading toward Kandla Port in western India was reportedly attacked in the strait on Wednesday, further escalating concerns over maritime security in the region.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the Indian government.
India Expresses Concern Over Attacks on Commercial Ships
Reacting to the development, the Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the targeting of commercial shipping routes.
“India regrets that commercial shipments are being targeted by military aggression in the ongoing conflict in West Asia,” the ministry said in an official statement issued late Wednesday.
The ministry also warned that several lives, including those of Indian civilians, have already been lost in earlier attacks linked to the conflict.
“Precious lives, including Indian civilians, have already been lost in several such attacks in the initial phase of the conflict. The intensity and lethality of the attacks also appear to be increasing,” the statement added.
Multiple Ship Attacks Reported Since Conflict Escalated
Since the regional conflict escalated in late February involving Israel and the United States, maritime security analysts report that at least 16 vessels have been attacked along the Iranian maritime route.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important oil transit chokepoints, connecting the Persian Gulf to global shipping lanes and handling a significant portion of international crude oil trade.
Oil Price Shock Warning
Amid the rising tensions, authorities in **Iran have warned that oil prices could surge dramatically if the conflict continues to disrupt shipping routes.
Officials cautioned that global crude oil prices could potentially climb to $200 per barrel, more than double current market levels, if supply chains through the Strait of Hormuz are severely affected.
Energy analysts say any prolonged disruption in the region could impact global energy markets and oil-importing countries such as India, which relies heavily on maritime crude oil shipments from West Asia.
