Indian Seafarers Safe Amidst Strait of Hormuz Tensions

An Indian seafarer aboard the vessel held by Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz is safe, according to a senior official. This development comes after Iranian guards seized two foreign container ships on April 22, amid escalating tensions with the United States.

Following the capture, the vessel Epaminondas, carrying mostly Ukrainian and Filipino crew, as well as one Indian seafarer, relocated to the strait's eastern side, deemed safer. The U.S. naval blockade and prior seizure of Iranian ships by the U.S. have intensified the situation.

British maritime security confirms the firing incident involving a Liberian-flagged ship. The vessel's attack is suspected to be a reaction to the United States' alleged ''armed piracy,'' alleging violations of ceasefire agreements in the Sea of Oman.

(With inputs from agencies.)