Suez Canal Authority says shipping backlog cleared

Speaking during the weekly press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India opposes attacks on merchant shipping "from any quarters" and confirmed that several Indian nationals have been affected in recent incidents.

"There have been maritime incidents involving Indian crew on foreign-flagged vessels. Of these vessels, there were 78 Indian seafarers. Of these, 70 are unhurt and escaped. Four sustained injuries over the last few days, but are stable. Unfortunately, there have been three casualties, and one seafarer is missing," he said.

Sibal argued that the US is unlikely to risk a naval operation to forcibly "reopen" the Strait of Hormuz as the deep-water channel necessary for large vessels lies within Iranian territorial waters. Iran does not need sophisticated long-range missiles to defend this corridor; short-range missiles, torpedoes, and mines can easily sink high-value naval assets.

The tanker reportedly switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder while navigating the high-risk stretch of the strait.

IRIB Quoted the official as saying, "If any attack is carried out against Iran's economic ports, all docks, ports, and economic zones across West Asia will be destroyed."

Liberia-flagged ship 'Shenlong Suezmax' has reached Mumbai port, it was captained by an Indian and was loaded with crude oil from the Saudi port Ras Tanura

Sources say Iranian authorities have decided to allow Indian flagged ship pass safely from the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC has enforced a maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting vessels that move "even a few metres" without permission. With 14 tankers reportedly hit, the paralysis of this vital oil route has forced the US and IEA to release millions of barrels from strategic reserves.

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an urgent "ATTACK" warning following a serious maritime incident in the northern Gulf involving multiple commercial vessels.

Two oil tankers caught fire near Iraq after being struck by an "unknown projectile," with UKMTO reporting all crew are "evacuated and safe." This follows a surge in maritime attacks amid regional conflict, drawing a sharp response from India and warnings from President Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz.