Akshay DidwaniyaThree India-flagged crude oil tankers safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. India’s shipping minister confirmed the news, hours after Iran threatened to shut the waterway.
Three India-flagged tankers carrying crude oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. India’s shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal shared the update himself.
He posted the news on social media platform X. The message read: “””Safe passage ensured! Three India-flagged crude oil tankers Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald,… successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz today and are heading towards India”””
Sonowal also revealed an important detail about the crew. A total of 94 people were aboard these three vessels combined.
The Indian Express newspaper added further details about arrival timing. Desh Vaibhav and Desh Vibhor are expected to reach India by June 24. Sanmar Herald, however, will take a bit longer arriving around July 1.
Iran’s Closure Threat Loomed Large
Earlier Saturday, tensions in the region had spiked sharply. Iran’s “Khatam al-Anbiya” central military headquarters made a serious announcement. It said Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz to shipping entirely.
This threat came as a direct response to ongoing attacks. Israel continued striking Lebanon despite ceasefire commitments, officials say. The US was also accused of violating an understanding memorandum. That agreement covered ceasefires across all fronts, including Lebanon specifically.
However, US Central Command (CENTCOM) pushed back against these closure claims. It maintained that ship passage through the strait remains completely unobstructed for now.
The safe arrival of these three Indian tankers offers some reassurance. It comes despite the heightened rhetoric and military posturing in the region this week.
The BRICS Times
Pratik Agrawal
Mayur Mohta