Iran Said to Promise Safe Passage for India-Flagged Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz, But Tehran Denies

The near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for 40% of India's crude oil imports, has forced India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, to scramble for alternatives, including buying more from Russia. Iran has attacked at least 16 ships in the Strait since the war began in late February, and a Thai vessel bound for India's western port of Kandla was struck Wednesday. As of that day, 28 Indian-flagged vessels with 778 Indian sailors aboard were operating near the Strait. An Indian government source said Iran assured safe passage for Indian-flagged tankers after the two countries' foreign ministers spoke by phone Tuesday, but an Iranian source outside the country denied any such agreement. The situation remains fluid, with limited clarity on how instructions are being relayed across Iran's administration.