Merchant vessels report gunfire as they attempt to cross Strait of Hormuz

InternationalMust ReadMerchant vessels report gunfire as they attempt to cross Strait of HormuzBy Web Desk-Apr 18, 2026 ATHENS: At least two merchant vessels said they were hit by gunfire as they attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, according to three maritime security and shipping sources. The extent of the impact was not immediately clear. However, Iran’s IRIB reports that naval forces intercepted and forced two Indian vessels to turn back west out of the Strait of Hormuz, with reports indicating that warning shots were fired during the encounter. One of the intercepted ships has been identified as an Indian-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil. The forced retreat follows Iran’s Central Military Headquarters announcing the renewed closure of the strategic waterway, stating that all maritime passage now requires explicit approval from Tehran. 🚨 BREAKING Two Indian vessels were forced back west out of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran’s Navy. Firing was involved. One of the vessels is an Indian-flagged VLCC supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil. pic.twitter.com/Gb87u1AkP5 — IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) April 18, 2026