Iran scrambles to cool down tensions after IRGC fires on Indian tankers near Hormuz, even as New Delhi lodges protest and questions the reliability of safe passage assurances amid a fragile ceasefire
In an bid to ease growing diplomatic tensions, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, reaffirmed the “unbreakable” ties between Tehran and New Delhi on Saturday. His remarks came just hours after reports surfaced of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) firing upon two Indian-flagged tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The incident, which took place on Saturday, involved the vessels Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav. According to maritime tracking services and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sources, cited by news agency ANI, the ships were forced to reverse course after IRGC gunboats reportedly opened fire to enforce a renewed blockade of the waterway.
‘Rooted in 5,000 years of history’
Speaking to the media in New Delhi, Ilahi appeared to downplay the severity of the confrontation, claiming he was not fully briefed on the specifics of the maritime clash.
“The relationship between Iran and India is very strong and is rooted in 5,000 years of history,” Ilahi stated. “We want peace, and we hope the situation will be resolved. Iranians are connected to India by culture, civilization, and philosophy,” he added.
#WATCH | Hyderabad | On the shooting incident involving two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, says, “The relationship between Iran and India is very strong and I don’t know anything about… pic.twitter.com/KdsLQBkbmw
— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2026
He further noted that India has historically benefited from these ties, citing the recent facilitation of Indian tankers through the Strait despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia. “Our relationship will only continue to grow stronger,” he added, reiterating that Iran is “not in favour of war.”
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Diplomatic tensions rise as ceasefire frays and falters
The representative’s tone appeared at odds with the urgency unfolding in New Delhi, where diplomatic activity intensified at South Block.
On Saturday evening, India’s Foreign Secretary summoned Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali to lodge a strong protest, expressing deep concern over the safety of Indian mariners. Officials pointed out that the vessels had initially been granted clearance to pass, making the shooting incident particularly troubling.
The episode comes against the backdrop of a tense week in the region. On April 16, Iran briefly declared the Strait “fully open” following a regional ceasefire, only to reimpose “strict control” two days later, accusing the United States of breaching the agreement by continuing a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Maritime security on edge
The Sanmar Herald, a tanker carrying nearly two million barrels of Iraqi crude, and the bulk carrier Jag Arnav were unharmed, and no injuries were reported among the crew. However, the incident has rattled global energy markets and raised questions about the reliability of “safe passage” assurances.
While Tehran’s representatives continue to emphasise civilizational bonds, the MEA has urged Iranian authorities to “resume at the earliest” the process of facilitating India-bound ships.
First Published:
April 19, 2026, 05:46 IST
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