Iran fires on tankers, attacks two Indian-flagged ships in Strait of Hormuz

Iran fired on Indian-flagged tankers at the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, reversing Tehran's previous decision to reopen the critical waterway to commercial vessels. Two Indian ships carrying crude oil, identified as Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald, were attacked as they attempted to transit the strait, prompting New Delhi to summon the Iranian envoy and express "deep concern" over the incident. About seven Indian-flagged vessels sought to cross the waterway but returned to the Persian Gulf after coming under fire. The gunboats from Iran's Revolutionary Guard opened fire on vessels transiting the chokepoint, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil passes. Iran warned it would continue blocking transit as long as the US port blockade remains in effect, with the Revolutionary Guard navy stating any approaching ship would be "considered cooperation with the enemy" and "targeted." The Indian government earmarked 22 ships carrying energy cargo for repatriation in coordination with Iranian agencies and the Indian Navy. The escalation came after President Donald Trump said the US blockade would remain until Iran reaches a nuclear deal. Despite the violence, Pakistani officials indicated the United States and Iran are still moving closer to an agreement ahead of the April 22 ceasefire deadline. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties across multiple nations, including at least 3,000 in Iran, nearly 2,300 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, with 13 US service members also killed. Further limits on transit through the strait threaten to deepen the global energy crisis and push oil prices higher.