Iran’s ‘surgical strike’ on a ship coming to India! Two ships taken hostage, will oil prices increase again?

Just hours after US President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran, the atmosphere in the Gulf countries has once again heated up. On Wednesday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) took a major action and attacked two ships and captured them. The surprising thing is that one of these ships was coming to Gujarat, India. There has been an international stir after this incident.

Ship coming to Gujarat targeted

According to Iranian state television reports, the IRGC has taken hostage the Panama-flagged ships ‘MSC Francesca’ and the Liberian-flagged ‘Epaminodes’. According to maritime traffic data, ‘Epaminodes’ was coming from Dubai towards Mundra Port in Gujarat. Apart from this, a third Greek ship ‘Euphoria’ was also targeted by Iran, which is currently stranded near the Iranian coast. This incident is likely to increase diplomatic tensions between India and Iran, as an Indian ship was attacked last week also.

Iran accused of security violation

Iran has given its reasoning behind seizing the ships. The Iranian Navy claims that these ships did not have the necessary official documents. Iran also alleges that these ships had tampered with the ‘navigation system’, which posed a threat to maritime security. However, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the attack and said that the crew members on board the ships are currently safe.

Fire broke out in the crude oil market

This violent action in the Strait of Hormuz seems to have a direct impact on the world’s pockets. As soon as the news of the attack on two container ships spread, the prices of crude oil started skyrocketing in the global market and reached close to $ 100 per barrel. Experts believe that if tensions in this region increase further, an even bigger jump in fuel prices may be seen in the coming days.

Revenge for America’s action?

Experts believe that this action of Iran is actually a befitting reply to America. Recently, American marines seized two Iranian cargo ships near the Gulf of Oman. Iran has clearly warned that if America does not lift its blockade, it will use more force. Let us tell you that Iran has already imposed strict restrictions on this important sea route, which are part of the ongoing conflict with America and Israel.