In a concerning escalation of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, two Indian-flagged vessels, the Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav, were fired upon by gunboats of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This incident marks the first attack on Indian vessels since the outbreak of conflict in West Asia on February 28. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and both vessels managed to turn back safely. The Sanmar Herald was reportedly transporting crude oil from Iraq, while the Jag Arnav was en route from Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, to India. Following the attack, the Indian government swiftly summoned Iranian ambassador Dr. Mohammad Fathali for a meeting with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to convey India’s deep concern regarding the incident. The U.K. Maritime Operations Centre reported that the IRGC approached one tanker without prior communication and opened fire, while another nearby vessel was damaged by an unknown projectile. This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by commercial shipping in the region amid rising tensions.