‘Baseless’: Center rejects reports that Iran seeks return of 3 oil tankers seized by India in exchange for safe passage through Strait of Hormuz

NEW DELHI: A central government source on Monday dismissed as “baseless” a report claiming that India and Iran had discussed releasing three ships seized by New Delhi in exchange for ensuring their safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The source also rejected claims that the ships belonged to Iran.“This report is baseless. There were no discussions of this nature between the Indian and Iranian authorities. None of the three ships are owned by Iran in any way,” the source said.Earlier, Reuters reported that Iran had asked India to release three seized oil tankers in exchange for ensuring the safe passage of ships to India through the Strait of Hormuz amid the Gulf crisis triggered by US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The report quoted sources as saying that Iran’s ambassador to India met with officials from the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday to discuss the matter. Indian coastal authorities reportedly seized three oil tankers subject to U.S. sanctions in February. The vessels were intercepted off the coast of Mumbai and are being investigated for their alleged involvement in the illegal oil trade.The so-called “Shadow Fleet” ships – Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia – were seized on 6 February.Iran says the Strait of Hormuz cannot be used to launch an attack on Tehran and says ships passing through the strategic waterway may be subject to certain conditions. Iranian officials said the ships would be allowed through only in exceptional circumstances because of what they said was insecurity caused by Israel and the United States, adding that Iran’s armed forces monitored the route and would prevent it from being used in military operations against the country.Since the United States and Israel began launching attacks on Iran in late February, Tehran has launched retaliatory attacks across the region, including targeting ships trying to pass through the strait. These incidents resulted in the death of three Indian sailors and another who is still missing.