Did Iran attack an Indian ship in Hormuz Strait? Viral video prompts government response

A dramatic video spreading rapidly on social media claimed that Iran had launched a heavy strike on an Indian-flagged oil tanker attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The clip alleged that the vessel suffered major damage during the attack, raising alarm online at a time of heightened tensions in the Gulf region.

The video gained traction as reports circulated about Tehran targeting vessels attempting to pass through the strategic waterway, which it had reportedly closed amid the ongoing chaos in the Gulf.

One social media account that reposted the footage, titled Iran Press, claimed that an Indian-flagged tanker called Oil Brothers Kraft had been hit and had sustained significant damage.

The claim quickly spread across platforms, prompting concern over the safety of Indian ships passing through the crucial shipping corridor.

Questions emerge as shipping activity continues

While the video was widely shared, several developments around the Strait of Hormuz suggested a different picture.

Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, indicated that Indian-flagged vessels would be allowed to cross the strait safely. He noted that Iran considers India a friendly country and highlighted cooperation between the two governments.

Recent maritime movements appeared to reflect that assurance.

Two Indian-flagged oil tankers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — carrying around 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Both vessels are expected to reach India between March 16 and March 17.

Their passage followed another crossing earlier in the week. The crude oil tanker Shenlong travelled from Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura Port to Mumbai Port, becoming one of the first vessels to move through the strait during the current tensions.

At the same time, checks on global ship-tracking systems raised doubts about the vessel mentioned in the viral posts. The tanker named Oil Brothers Kraft could not be located on any Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking platforms.

Government fact-check

India’s Press Information Bureau later examined the circulating video through its fact-checking unit.

Authorities said the footage did not show a real attack. According to the PIB, the video had been created using artificial intelligence.

Officials also stated that the claim of an Iranian strike on an Indian-flagged tanker named Oil Brothers Kraft was fake.