India summons Iran envoy after firing on Indian-flagged ships in Strait of Hormuz
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday, April 18, summoned Iran’s ambassador to India, Dr Mohammad Fathali, to lodge a formal protest after two Indian-flagged tankers were fired upon near the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement posted on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the envoy was called for a meeting with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who conveyed India’s “deep concern” over the incident and stressed the importance of maritime safety.
New Delhi urged Tehran to “resume at the earliest” the facilitation of India-bound vessels, recalling that Iran had previously ensured safe passage for ships. The Iranian envoy said he would convey India’s concerns to authorities in Tehran.
The Iranian envoy said he would convey India’s concerns to authorities in Tehran. The incident involved two large crude oil tankers — Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald — carrying Iraqi oil, which were reportedly fired upon north of Oman, prompting heightened concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
US plans to board Iran-linked ships
The US military is preparing to board and seize Iran-linked oil tankers and commercial vessels in the coming days, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials, in a move that could mark a further escalation in maritime tensions.
Khamenei warns of ‘bitter defeats’
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that Tehran’s navy is ready to inflict “new bitter defeats” on the United States and Israel, as tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz. The warning comes amid reports of gunfire incidents involving merchant vessels transiting the key shipping route.
Iran reviews new US proposals
Iran said it is reviewing new proposals from the United States, signalling possible movement in negotiations as diplomatic efforts to ease tensions continue.
Hezbollah criticises Lebanon leadership
Hezbollah’s deputy head of the political council, Mahmoud Qamati, lashed out at Lebanon’s leadership, accusing the president of “thanking a murderer” while ignoring Iran’s role in securing the ceasefire.
He warned that the resistance’s “hand will remain on the trigger”, adding that “the bowl of patience has overflowed” and strategic patience has ended.
Trump warns Iran against ‘blackmail’ over Hormuz
US President Donald Trump warned that Tehran cannot “blackmail” Washington by attempting to shut the Strait of Hormuz, even as he said talks between the two sides were progressing with “very good conversations”.
UK maritime body reports vessel damage
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it received a report of an incident 25 nautical miles northeast of Oman, where a container ship was hit by an unidentified projectile, causing damage but no fire.
UNIFIL calls for probe into attack
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said the Lebanese government must urgently launch an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack on its forces in southern Lebanon.
US intelligence flags Hormuz tensions
A US intelligence official told Fox News that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively under the control of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and “closed”, with several ships forced to turn back since morning. The official added that forces opened fire on at least one vessel as part of what was described as a closure policy.
Trump says Iran ‘cannot blackmail’ US
US President Donald Trump said no one has confronted Iran in the past 47 years as he has, asserting that “Iran cannot blackmail us” while adding that talks between the two sides are progressing well.
Hezbollah warns of escalation
Mahmoud Qamati, Deputy Head of Hezbollah’s Political Council, said there is “no going back” to the pre-March 2 situation, adding that the group’s “finger will remain on the trigger”. He warned that “strategic patience has run out” and that Hezbollah would not settle for a ceasefire, stressing readiness to confront any Israeli violations.
Israel vows continued operations in southern Lebanon
Israeli outlet Walla quoted an Israeli army official as saying military operations will continue until long-term security arrangements are achieved and the disarmament of southern Lebanon is ensured
US signals pressure strategy
The Wall Street Journal, citing a US official, reported that remarks by the Chief of Staff about targeting ships assisting Iran were intended as a “warning to China”. A White House spokeswoman said President Donald Trump remains optimistic, viewing the “naval blockade” as a key pressure tool to help secure a peace agreement.
Iran claims ‘decisive victory’
Iran’s first vice president said the country’s breaking of the “alleged” naval blockade and a surge in oil exports demonstrate what he described as a decisive victory, as Tehran continues to push back against US pressure over its maritime operations.
UNIFIL reports casualty in attack
UNIFIL said one peacekeeper was killed and three others were injured after one of its patrols came under fire. Initial assessments suggest the shooting was cfarried out by non-governmental actors, reportedly linked to Hezbollah.
Source link
