EconomyPoliticsWorldHOTSaturday, April 18, 2026

Iranian-Linked Gunboats Reportedly Attack Merchant Vessels in Strait of Hormuz

TLDR

IRGC attacked multiple merchant ships in Strait of Hormuz since Saturday.
Two Indian-flagged vessels shot at, turned back; New Delhi summoned Iran.
Multiple container ships hit by gunfire/projectiles; one Liberia-flagged damaged.
IRGC has seized two vessels for alleged maritime regulation violations.

Multiple merchant vessels, including an oil tanker, were reportedly fired upon by gunboats linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. Maritime sources, including the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), indicate that at least two to three vessels were impacted. The captain of one tanker reported that two gunboats opened fire without issuing a prior radio challenge, though the vessel and its crew are reported safe. This incident, occurring approximately 20 nautical miles north of Oman, comes as merchant vessels in the area reportedly received messages from the Iranian navy declaring the vital waterway shut again. The full impact on all vessels involved remains unclear.

5 Updates

Update #6\u00b7 Apr 22 · 2:16 PM

New reports indicate that at least three container ships were hit by gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. One of these, a Liberia-flagged container ship, sustained damage to its bridge after being struck by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades northeast of Oman. In a significant escalation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced it has seized two vessels and is currently escorting them to the Iranian coast. The IRGC stated that these vessels were seized for allegedly entering the waterway without proper coordination and violating maritime regulations.

Update #5\u00b7 Apr 22 · 9:47 AM

New details have emerged regarding the previously reported incident where a container ship was hit by a projectile 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman. This attack occurred on Wednesday morning around 7:55 a.m., with the vessel sustaining damage. The UKMTO reported that the Iranian gunboat did not hail the ship before firing, although no injuries or environmental impact were noted. Separately, the UKMTO has reported a new, distinct incident where a second outbound cargo ship was fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz, eight nautical miles west of Iran. This vessel is now stopped in the water, but its crew are safe and accounted for, and no damage was sustained.

Update #4\u00b7 Apr 22 · 5:31 AM

New details have emerged regarding the incidents. The two Indian-flagged merchant vessels involved in the shooting incident on Saturday, April 18th morning, have been identified as the JAG ARNA cargo vessel and the SANMAR HERA oil tanker. These ships were reportedly attacked by Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fast attack boats. Separately, Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency stated that the military enforced "maritime law" on the container ship that was hit by a projectile, claiming the vessel had ignored repeated warnings. The container ship incident, which UKMTO reported as occurring 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman, involved one gun boat belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

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