Subhechcha Ganguly 
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated sharply after Iran allegedly targeted multiple commercial vessels, triggering fresh concerns over global energy security and maritime safety in the region. According to shipping sources, 19 ships have been hit in attacks linked to Iran, leaving at least seven people dead.
Despite the volatile situation, two tankers belonging to the Shipping Corporation of India — Pushpak and Piramal — successfully transited the strategic waterway between last night and early morning without naval escort. Their safe passage came even as the **Persian Gulf–Hormuz–Gulf of Oman shipping corridor remains under severe threat.
Shipping experts said the situation in the region is extremely uncertain, with Iranian authorities reportedly refusing to allow crude oil tankers to be escorted by foreign warships. “There is utter confusion in the Persian Gulf as Iranians are talking in multiple voices. Escorts are not being allowed and tankers are taking chances,” a maritime expert said.
Meanwhile, the Thailand-flagged tanker Mayuree Naree, which was headed to Kandla in India, was struck on its hull while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. At least three other tankers were also reportedly hit by Iranian projectiles, sustaining significant damage.
Analysts believe Iran is attempting to use the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints — as strategic leverage amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies passes through this narrow maritime corridor, making any disruption a serious threat to global energy markets.
The attacks are also seen as a potential violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provisions on freedom of navigation. On Wednesday night, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, recognising the right of member states to collective or individual self-defence in response to retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region. The resolution was supported by 134 countries, with 13 voting in favour and China and Russia abstaining.
Security analysts say Iran has been deploying kamikaze drones to target shipping, while some incidents suggest the possible use of underwater projectiles or drones. However, there has been no confirmed evidence of naval mines being used so far.
Experts warn that by targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran could be attempting to trigger both a global oil shock and a food supply crisis in the Middle East, increasing pressure on the United States and its allies to step back from the escalating conflict.
With Iran signalling its willingness to use the strategic waterway as military leverage, the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz could continue until diplomatic negotiations resume or the conflict in the region de-escalates.
