Strait of Hormuz Blockade Escalates: India Evacuates 13 Ships, June 01

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz while a third vessel was fired upon near Oman’s coast. Tanker traffic through the waterway has dropped 80 percent, with 150 tankers anchored outside holding 16 billion litres of oil. India is evacuating 13 ships from the volatile region as the standoff deepens between Washington and Tehran.

Iran Tightens Control Over Strategic Waterway

Iran’s IRGC says it seized two container ships for disrupting order and safety within a declared maritime exclusion zone. A third commercial vessel sustained significant damage to its bridge after being fired upon near Oman’s coast, though no casualties were reported. At least ten commercial ships have been struck by projectiles or drones near the strait in recent days.

Iran tightened control over the Strait beginning February 28, barring vessels linked to Israel or the United States. The IRGC warned that any attack on Iranian oil tankers or commercial vessels would trigger retaliatory strikes against US military bases and ships in the region.

Shipping Halts as Oil Markets React

Commercial shipping through the Strait has ground to a halt, with tanker traffic down more than 80 percent. Approximately 150 tankers are currently anchored in open waters outside the strait, holding an estimated 16 billion litres of oil. Widespread GPS jamming across the Persian Gulf is compounding navigation dangers.

Global crude oil prices fell to six-week lows after reports of a tentative US-Iran ceasefire extension. US West Texas Intermediate (July delivery) settled down 1.73 percent at $87.36 a barrel, while Brent crude (August contract) fell 1.7 percent to $91.12. The standoff deepened as President Trump said pressure would continue until a broader agreement is reached.

India Secures Oil Shipment as Evacuation Begins

India is evacuating 13 ships from the Strait of Hormuz amid the escalating crisis. The Nissos Keros, a Marshall Islands-flagged crude oil tanker carrying 270,000 metric tonnes of crude for India, safely crossed the Strait and is expected to arrive at Visakhapatnam on June 3. All Indian oil refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories.

The government has increased domestic LPG production from refineries to about 52 tonnes per day to support domestic consumption. The IRGC reported 28 ships passed through the Strait in the last 24 hours under its security.

Diplomatic Efforts Offer Tentative Path Forward

President Trump said positive mediation efforts with Tehran could lead to talks within 72 hours. Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated no final understanding had been reached, but message exchanges were continuing. Lebanese and Israeli representatives are set for a second round of US-led negotiations in Washington, with Beirut likely seeking a one-month ceasefire extension.

France has organised a European naval response, deploying its flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle with eight frigates and two amphibious helicopter carriers. Greece, Cyprus, and the Netherlands have confirmed participation in the mission to escort commercial vessels through the waterway.

Final Thoughts

The Strait of Hormuz blockade has crippled global shipping and cut oil prices 1.7 percent, but tentative ceasefire talks offer relief. India’s successful evacuation of one tanker and ramped-up domestic fuel production provide short-term stability.

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