A radio transmission capturing one of the Indian-flagged vessels coming under fire in the Strait of Hormuz has emerged, offering a glimpse into the escalating tensions in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The audio, shared by maritime intelligence firm Tanker Trackers, is said to relate to one of two Indian-flagged ships that were reportedly fired upon earlier on Saturday.
In the recording, an individual identifying the vessel can be heard saying: "You gave me clearance to go! You are firing now! Let me turn back!" One of the vessels involved has been identified as the Sanmar Herald. Iranian state media said shots were fired near the two ships in an effort to force them to reverse course.
Video footage recorded byNBC Newsshows the Sanmar Herald navigating the strait's "Green Area". At one point, the ship switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) while travelling eastbound, before turning back westbound after restoring the signal.
The incidentcomes as Iran asserts tighter control over the waterway. In a statement reported by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned vessels against approaching the strait.
In a statement, the IRGC said several vessels passed through the strait yesterday, but "due to the violation of the ceasefire conditions, the American enemy did not lift the naval blockade of Iranian vessels and ports. "Therefore, from this evening, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until this blockade is lifted.
"We warn that no vessel should move from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, and approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and the violating vessel will be targeted," the statement continued. "Also, we inform all vessels and their owners to follow news only from the official IRGC Navy authority and through Channel 16, and the statements of the terrorist US president in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf have no credibility," it concluded.
India hasraised the matterwith Tehran following the reported firing incidents. Officials in New Delhi summoned the Iranian ambassador, expressing concern over the safety of merchant shipping and mariners.
During the meeting, India's Foreign Secretary referred to earlier instances where Iran had facilitated safe passage for India-bound vessels, and urged that such measures be resumed at the earliest.
The Iranian ambassador said India's concerns would be conveyed to authorities in Tehran.
The developments come amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran's military said the strategic passage was under its "strict" control and warned vessels against approaching it.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
