New Delhi: A ship has been attacked near the Oman coast. Twenty-four Indian sailors are on board. They are trapped. Black smoke is rising from the vessel. The sailors are calling for urgent help from the Indian Navy.
Union raised alarm?
The Forward Seamen Union of India posted a video on X. The footage shows the burning ship clearly. The union said the sailors need the Navy to reach them immediately. The ship was passing through the Strait of Hormuz when the attack happened.
Back to war?
Iran and Israel observed a two-month ceasefire. That is now over. The two countries have attacked each other directly for the first time since the ceasefire began. The fighting has sent fresh tension across the entire Middle East. Hormuz is feeling it now.
What is Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway. One fifth of all the oil traded in the world moves through it. Whoever controls this passage holds enormous power over global energy supply.
Iran wants to charge ships?
Iran’s ambassador in Russia, Kazem Jalali, spoke to Russian newspaper Izvestia. The interview was published on Monday. He said Hormuz will not be shut down. But ships will not pass for free anymore. Iran and Oman will set new terms together. A transit toll is being considered. Jalali said both countries provide services at the strait. Those services will now be charged. He did not share any numbers or timeline.
What India tells its citizens?
The Indian Embassy in Tehran put out an advisory. Indians are being told to stay away from Iran. Those already there have been asked to leave immediately. If there’s any route, or any available option, just get out of Iran. The advisory was issued as the Iran-Israel conflict turned into open direct warfare.
How things got here?
Israel had avoided hitting Iran directly during the ceasefire. Instead it kept hitting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. The idea was to hurt Iran without going face to face. That approach has now changed. Both sides have now struck each other head on. The region is back on the edge.
