New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) - The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, for discussions with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concerning the recent shooting incident involving Indian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

In the course of the meeting, India expressed serious concerns regarding the incident involving two vessels flying the Indian flag—one of which is thought to be a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC)—that came under fire from gunboats belonging to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Thankfully, both the tanker and its crew were reported to be unharmed.

The MEA spokesperson issued a statement noting, "The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi was called in for a meeting with the Foreign Secretary this evening. During this discussion, the Foreign Secretary articulated India's profound concern regarding the shooting incident earlier today that involved two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz."

He emphasized the significance India places on the safety of merchant shipping and mariners, recalling that Iran had previously facilitated the safe passage of numerous ships headed for India. The Foreign Secretary reiterated his worries about this grave incident of firing on merchant vessels and urged the Ambassador to communicate India's stance to Iranian authorities, seeking to expedite the process of ensuring safe passage for India-bound ships through the Strait.

The Iranian Ambassador pledged to relay these concerns to the relevant officials in Iran.

Earlier in the day, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre confirmed that a tanker and a container ship were fired upon by IRGC gunboats.

A UKMTO alert indicated: "Master UKMTO has received reports of an incident 20NM northeast of Oman. The Master of a tanker reported being approached by two IRGC gunboats, which then opened fire without a VHF challenge. The tanker and crew are reported safe. Authorities are conducting an investigation."

Another UKMTO warning detailed an incident occurring 25NM northeast of Oman, stating, "A report of a container ship being struck by an unidentified projectile, causing damage to some containers, but no fires or environmental impact were reported. Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to report any suspicious activities to UKMTO."

On Saturday, Iran announced that control of the Strait has returned to its previous state amid the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports.

A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters stated, as quoted by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, that the Strait of Hormuz is currently under the "strict control" of Iranian Armed Forces and will maintain its operational status.

The spokesperson asserted that under the guise of a blockade, the United States engages in acts of "sea robbery" and "piracy" with repeated violations of commitments, which has necessitated the reinstatement of strict control over the Strait of Hormuz by the Armed Forces.

He further noted that the current situation will remain tightly controlled and unchanged until the US lifts restrictions on the free movement of vessels to and from Iran.

Reports based on vessel tracking data indicated that approximately 10 ships turned back while attempting to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's reassertion of control over this vital waterway.

According to shipping data from Marine Traffic, the vessels reversed course in waters near Larak Island, an area utilized by Iran to monitor maritime traffic.