As of early Tuesday, two vessels turned back after reports of gunfire from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

The tenth Indian-flagged vessel crossed the strait amid firing by Iranian gunboats. Desh Garima, carrying crude oil, was en route to Mumbai port.

Iran had previously allowed Indian vessels to sail through sporadically since it blocked this key energy strait last month.

Currently, there are 499 Indian seafarers aboard Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf region. In total, 2,487 seafarers have been evacuated by various shipping companies.

Vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz received radio messages from Iran’s navy stating they were not allowed to pass.

Reports indicate that two ships were actually hit by gunfire. Still, details remain unconfirmed.

India has consistently stated its commitment to safe maritime passage for its vessels and citizens.

According to Sihasak Phuangketkeow, a representative from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “The three crewmen on the Thai-flagged vessel that was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz last month have died.” In a swift response, the Omani navy managed to rescue 20 crew members from the vessel, demonstrating the ongoing risks faced by commercial shipping in this vital waterway.

The attack comes at a time when Thailand is strengthening its international partnerships, particularly with India. In April 2025, the two nations elevated their relationship to a ‘strategic partnership,’ reflecting their shared interests in technology and trade. Thailand ranks second after India in semiconductor manufacturing among emerging economies, and its semiconductor market is projected to mobilize over 2.5 trillion baht (approximately US$81 billion) in investment by 2050.

Thailand’s ambitions in the semiconductor sector are significant, especially as it seeks to become a technology-owning chip producer. The country has unveiled a draft National Semiconductor Roadmap 2050, aiming to capitalize on the growing global demand for semiconductors. This strategic focus is crucial, given that India’s semiconductor market was estimated to be about US$50 billion for the 2024-25 period.

The historical context of Thailand’s relationships in the region cannot be overlooked. India and Thailand share over two millennia of cultural and commercial contact, which has fostered a deep-rooted connection between the two nations. As Thailand navigates the aftermath of this maritime incident, it must balance its economic ambitions with the realities of regional security.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack, including who was responsible and the broader implications for maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. The region is already fraught with tensions involving various international players, including China and the United States, further complicating the situation.

As Thailand grapples with the fallout from this tragedy, the focus will likely shift to how it can enhance maritime security and protect its economic interests in the face of such threats. The international community will be watching closely to see how Thailand responds and whether this incident will lead to a reevaluation of its strategic partnerships and security policies.

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The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most important maritime chokepoints in the global energy system. It is a narrow passage that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, and over 20 million barrels of crude oil pass through it daily. Approximately 40% of India’s crude oil imports transit this vital route, making it crucial for the country’s energy security.

Recent Developments

On March 12, 2026, an Indian government source indicated that Iran would allow Indian-flagged oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This development comes at a time when tensions in the region have escalated, particularly following a series of attacks on commercial vessels. Since the conflict began in late February, Iran has reportedly attacked at least 16 ships transiting the strait.

Conflicting Statements

However, an Iranian source has denied that any formal agreement has been reached regarding the passage of Indian tankers. This discrepancy raises questions about the reliability of the information being communicated between the two nations. Details remain unconfirmed.

Impact on Shipping

The Suezmax tanker Shenlong, carrying 135,335 metric tonnes of Saudi crude, recently arrived at port in Mumbai after successfully transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This marks the first crude carrier to reach India from the Middle East since the onset of the conflict. Currently, 28 Indian-flagged vessels are operating on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 778 Indian sailors.

Statements from Officials

In light of the ongoing situation, the Indian foreign ministry has expressed concern, stating, “India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attacks in the ongoing conflict.” Meanwhile, Iranian military official Alireza Tangsiri emphasized that any vessel intending to pass through the strait must obtain permission from Iran, questioning whether the crews of the vessels Express Rome and Mayuree Naree were assured safe passage.

Humanitarian Efforts

In a show of goodwill, India has provided safe harbor to 183 Iranian sailors whose vessel docked after the conflict erupted. This humanitarian gesture underscores the complex interplay of diplomacy and security in the region.

Looking Ahead

As the situation continues to evolve, observers are closely monitoring the developments in the Strait of Hormuz. The uncertainty surrounding the exact nature of any agreements between India and Iran regarding the safe passage of vessels raises concerns about the potential for further escalations. The international community is likely to keep a watchful eye on how these dynamics unfold in the coming days.

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The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most important maritime chokepoints in the global energy system. Over 20 million barrels of crude oil pass through this narrow waterway daily, making it a critical route for oil shipments, particularly for countries like India, which relies on this passage for approximately 40% of its crude imports.

Recent Developments

On March 12, 2026, an Indian government source reported that Iran would allow Indian-flagged oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly following a series of attacks on commercial shipping by Iranian forces. Since the conflict began in late February, Iran has reportedly attacked at least 16 ships transiting the strait.

Conflicting Statements

However, an Iranian source has denied that any formal agreement has been reached regarding the passage of Indian tankers, leaving the situation ambiguous. This discrepancy raises questions about the safety and operational viability of Indian vessels in the region. Currently, 28 Indian-flagged vessels are operating on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, carrying a total of 778 Indian sailors.

Impact on Shipping

The Suezmax tanker Shenlong recently made headlines as it became the first crude carrier to reach India from the Middle East since the conflict began, carrying 135,335 metric tonnes of Saudi crude. The tanker’s arrival in Mumbai marks a significant development, as it indicates that some shipping routes may still be operational despite the ongoing hostilities. The discharge process for the Shenlong is expected to take around 36 hours.

Reactions from Officials

In light of these developments, Indian officials have expressed their concerns. The Indian foreign ministry stated, “India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attacks in the ongoing conflict.” Meanwhile, Iranian military officials have emphasized that any vessel intending to pass through the Strait must obtain permission from Iran, underscoring the complexities of navigating these waters safely.

Future Considerations

Observers are closely monitoring the situation, as the exact nature of the agreement between India and Iran regarding the safe passage of Indian vessels remains unclear. Additionally, it is uncertain how directives are being communicated within Iran’s administrative and military structure. Alireza Tangsiri, an Iranian military official, raised pertinent questions regarding the safety assurances for vessels, suggesting that the crews of the vessels Express Rome and Mayuree Naree should clarify their experiences.

As the situation evolves, the implications for maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz are significant. With tensions high and the potential for further military actions, the safety of commercial shipping in this vital corridor remains a critical concern for all stakeholders involved. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the agreements and safety measures in place, leaving many in the shipping industry on edge.

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The Strait of Hormuz has long been recognized as a critical maritime passage for global oil and LNG shipments, with nearly one-fifth of the world’s supply transiting through this narrow waterway. Prior to recent developments, expectations were that shipping activity would continue relatively unimpeded, despite ongoing regional tensions.

However, a decisive shift occurred when conflict escalated in the region, leading to significant disruptions in maritime activity. Reports indicated that approximately 300 oil tankers were stranded in the Strait area due to the conflict, while shipping activity plummeted to just four vessels on March 1, compared to an average of about 24 vessels per day since January.

Iran’s Stance

In response to concerns regarding the security of the Strait, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, stated, “We have not yet closed the Strait of Hormuz. If we are going to close it, we are going to announce it… It has not been closed by us. We have no intention to do it until further notice.” This assertion came amidst accusations against the United States and Israel of aggression towards Iran.

Furthermore, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps emphasized that during times of conflict, passage through the Strait would be under their control, indicating a potential for increased military presence in the area.

Impact on Global Oil Prices

The conflict has had immediate economic repercussions, with crude prices climbing more than 15 percent since the fighting began. This rise reflects the market’s reaction to the uncertainty surrounding the Strait’s accessibility and the potential for further disruptions.

China has been actively negotiating with Iran to ensure safe oil and LNG passage through the Strait, highlighting the strategic importance of this route for global energy supplies. The ongoing negotiations may play a critical role in determining the future of shipping through this vital corridor.

Expert Perspectives

Experts have noted that the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation or resolution depending on diplomatic efforts and military developments. Iran’s Foreign Minister also condemned an incident involving the frigate IRIS Dena, which was reportedly struck in international waters without warning, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

As the situation evolves, uncertainties remain regarding the timeline for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the impact of negotiations between China and Iran on shipping activities. Details remain unconfirmed.

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