As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, Iran has assured India that its ships and economic interests will remain safe in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The reassurance comes as the conflict in the region enters its second week, raising concerns about global oil shipments and maritime security.
Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said Tehran values its relationship with New Delhi and will ensure that Indian vessels do not face problems while passing through the key shipping route.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil shipments. Any disruption in the waterway can have a major impact on international energy markets.
Iran-US-Israel Latest War News: Iran Says India Is a Trusted Partner
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Ambassador Mohammad Fathali emphasised the strong ties between Iran and India.
“… Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours. We believe that Iran and India share common interests in the region,” news agency ANI quoted him as saying at 6:35 pm IST.
#WATCH | Delhi: Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, says, “…Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never… pic.twitter.com/pfQHGHIjY7
— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2026
His remarks come at a time when shipping companies and governments across the world are closely monitoring developments in the Gulf region.
With tensions rising between Iran, the United States and Israel, the safety of vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz has become a major concern.
Iran-US-Israel Latest War News: Strait of Hormuz Still Open, Iran Says
Iranian officials have also clarified that the Strait of Hormuz has not been officially closed despite the ongoing conflict.
Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, said the waterway remains open, but operational conditions have become difficult because of the conflict.
“Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never wanted the Strait to be closed or blocked. Some (ships) are still passing through,” he told reporters in Delhi.
Ilahi also urged global leaders to intervene and bring an end to the ongoing war.
“Those who initiated this war are the very ones who must stop it… Many people across the world are suffering due to this war. World leaders must unite and exert pressure on the President of the United States, urging him to put an immediate stop to this unjust war,” ANI quoted Ilahi as saying.
Iran-US-Israel Latest War News: Iran Blames US and Israel for Escalation
Iranian officials maintain that Tehran did not start the current conflict and had been pursuing diplomatic discussions with Washington before tensions escalated.
“Iran did not initiate this war. Iran was engaged in negotiations with the United States and was also pursuing diplomatic efforts… Suddenly, the United States, along with the Zionist regime, attacked Iran, and they targeted a lot of civilians in Iran. We will win in this war, and we are prepared to sacrifice everything we possess for the sake of our dignity and our land,” Ilahi told reporters in Delhi.
Iran-US-Israel Latest War News: US Says Iran Responsible for Shipping Disruptions
The United States has dismissed fears of a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz but has accused Iran of creating instability in the region.
Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, US war secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington is prepared to maintain free navigation in the waterway.
“As the world is seeing, they are exercising sheer desperation in the Strait of Hormuz – something we’re dealing with; we have been dealing with it. Don’t need to worry about it.”
Hegseth also blamed Tehran for interfering with maritime movement.
“The only thing prohibiting transit in the strait right now is Iran shooting at shipping.”
Iran-US-Israel Latest War News: Maritime Attacks Raise Global Concerns
Recent reports suggest that several ships have come under attack in the Gulf region since the conflict began. According to international media reports, explosive-laden boats allegedly targeted fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, leading to fires and casualties.
Projectiles have reportedly struck multiple vessels across Gulf waters, raising the total number of ships hit during the conflict to at least sixteen.
These incidents have intensified fears of a wider maritime confrontation that could disrupt global oil supplies.
Iran-US-Israel Latest War News: New Iranian Leader Signals Continued Pressure
Meanwhile, Iran’s new leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has indicated that the country may continue using the Strait of Hormuz as strategic leverage during the conflict.
“Dear fighter brothers! The desire of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defence. Furthermore, the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used.”
His remarks suggest that the waterway may remain a key geopolitical pressure point as the conflict continues.
For countries like India, which rely heavily on energy imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining stability in the region remains critically important.
