Can Iran protect friendly shipping? Attack on Indian tankers raises safety questions

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Analysts say the episode shows how easily military pressure and confusion in Hormuz could hit vessels not meant to be in the line of fire

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Biman MukherjiPublished: 8:00am, 21 Apr 2026Updated: 9:01am, 21 Apr 2026Iran’s firing on two Indian-flagged oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz has raised fresh questions about how far Tehran can protect even friendly shipping as the conflict pushes closer to maritime chaos.

The attack, which took place on Saturday, has been especially awkward for Iran because New Delhi is not an adversary and still maintains working ties with Tehran, including renewed oil purchases in recent weeks under a temporary US sanctions waiver.

Analysts said the attack on Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald was likely a case of mistaken identity rather than a deliberate move against India, but added that the episode showed how easily military pressure and confusion in the congested waterway could hit vessels not meant to be in the line of fire.

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The attack came after Iran signalled that Hormuz was back under strict military control. Some merchant vessels received radio warnings on Saturday that no ships were allowed through the waterway, reversing Friday’s indications that traffic might resume.

The two Indian-flagged tankers were carrying crude oil, with one transporting 2 million barrels from Iraq.

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No injuries were reported among the crew, but the Sanmar Herald sustained minor damage from the gunfire.

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