“Hormuz is Closed, Turn Back”: Iranian Military’s Message to Indian Vessel; Audio Surfaces

New Delhi: On Saturday, the Iranian military (IRGC) intercepted an Indian vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz and instructed it to immediately return to its port of origin. This entire exchange was captured in an audio recording, in which a conversation between the Indian vessel’s captain and an IRGC naval captain can be heard.

The Iranian official explicitly stated that transit through the Strait of Hormuz remains prohibited: “You must return to your port immediately from here—go back immediately.” The Indian captain replied, “Okay, I repeat your message: The Strait of Hormuz is still closed. Okay, Sir.” The IRGC naval captain then responded, “Yes, Sir.”

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Following this exchange, the vessel altered its course. The crew of this ship, named ‘Bhagya Lakshmi,’ has shared the complete audio recording of this interaction with the Iranian Navy. Prior to this audio exchange, Iranian gunboats had opened fire on two Indian-flagged vessels. These ships were transporting Iraqi oil. No reports of any casualties resulting from this gunfire have surfaced.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the shooting incident, the Government of India expressed deep concern and summoned the Iranian Ambassador. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Iranian Ambassador in New Delhi for consultations, during which India’s Foreign Secretary clearly conveyed the country’s concerns.

He stated that the firing upon two Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday constitutes a very serious matter. The Foreign Secretary also recalled that Iran had previously assisted in ensuring safe passage for vessels bound for India; therefore, it is expected that Iran will continue to cooperate in this instance as well.

Notably, the Iranian official had previously stated that all vessels are permitted to pass through the strait only after coordinating with the IRGC. Conversely, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that the route has been reopened following the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Following Araghchi’s statement, maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz began to intensify; however, the IRGC Navy has once again closed this strategic waterway in protest against the economic blockade imposed by the U.S. on Iranian ports. Now, with reports of firing upon vessels, it appears that the IRGC is making decisions on the ground. Prior to this, following a 10-day ceasefire brokered by the U.S., more than a dozen ships had safely transited through this route.