After two Indian-flagged ships were shot at near the Strait of Hormuz, India on Saturday evening summoned the Iranian ambassador to lodge a formal protest, according to reports.
The Ministry of External Affairs summoned ambassador Dr Mohammad Fathali at 6.30 pm. One of the damaged vessels was a supertanker carrying nearly two million barrels of Iraqi oil.
Iran's IRGC Navy gunboats fired warning shots at the Indian-flagged tankers in the water between the Qeshm and Larak islands, according to Reuters. No casualties were reported. Both vessels reportedly suffered minor damage.
Reports suggest that the firing was a signal to vessel that tried to pass the Strait without getting prior clearance from the IRGC.
Very High Frequency (VHF) broadcasts transmitted to the ships declared that the Strait is "completely closed again," alleging that the US violated certain understanding reached between the two sides.
"Attention all ships, regarding the failure of the US government to fulfil its commitment in the negotiation, Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz completely closed again. No vessel of any type or nationality is allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz," the message said.
Seven other ships with Indian flags or travelling to India were turned back from the Strait of Hormuz since Saturday morning.
This comes a day after ambassador Fathali thanked the people and government of India for being reliable and compassionate partners in times of hardship. He said that New Delhi and Tehran share common interests and both sides will continue to have good ties in the future too.