Iran Releases 10 Indian Sailors Held Since 2025 After Tanker Interception Near Strait Of Hormuz

Iran has released 10 Indian sailors who were detained after their tanker was intercepted near Jask Port in July 2025, India’s shipping authorities said on Tuesday.

India’s Directorate General of Shipping said the sailors aboard the MV Harbour Phoenix were “detained, arrested and imprisoned” in Iran after the vessel was intercepted near the Iranian port.

“The seafarers have now been released and reunited safely,” the authority said, adding that arrangements are being made for their return to India.

The MV Harbour Phoenix is listed by ship tracking platforms as a Palau-flagged oil products tanker.

Indian authorities did not provide further details about the reason for the vessel’s interception or the charges against the crew.

India had largely avoided public comments during the case and relied on diplomatic discussions with Tehran to secure the sailors’ release.

New Delhi and Tehran have long-standing diplomatic and energy ties, while India also maintains close relations with the United States and Israel.

Iranian authorities have regularly announced the interception of vessels in Gulf waters, saying some ships were involved in illegal fuel transport.

Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has faced pressure since the United States and Israel launched attacks on February 28. Iran later imposed restrictions affecting movement through the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

India, the world’s third-largest oil buyer, imports around half of its crude oil through the route.

India also has one of the world’s largest merchant navy workforces, with thousands of Indian sailors operating on vessels across Gulf shipping lanes.

References: firstpost, gulfnews