Iran Asks India to Return Three Seized Tankers Amid Hormuz Talks

Iran has asked India to release three tankers seized in February as part of discussions on ensuring the safe passage of Indian-flagged or India-bound vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Indian authorities seized the three Iran-linked tankers near Indian waters, alleging they had concealed or altered their identities and were involved in illegal ship-to-ship transfers at sea.

Tehran has also requested supplies of certain medicines and medical equipment, according to an Iranian official. Iran’s ambassador to New Delhi met with Indian foreign ministry officials on Monday to discuss the matter.

India’s foreign ministry, the Iranian embassy in New Delhi, and Iran’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

Recently, Iran allowed two Indian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers to pass through the strait, with one returning to western India on Monday. Traffic in the strait has nearly halted since the start of the war in Iran.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Monday that recent movements “reflected a history of engagement, of dealing with each other” and that nothing was being exchanged.

Since late February, following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, Tehran has targeted ships in the region, killing three Indian sailors and leaving one missing. India said that at least 22 Indian-flagged vessels and 611 Indian seafarers remain in the Gulf, with six LPG vessels prioritized due to fuel shortages.

The seized tankers—Asphalt Star, Al Jafzia, and Stellar Ruby—were accused of concealing their identities and engaging in illegal transfers. Stellar Ruby is Iranian-flagged, while Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia are registered in Nicaragua and Mali, respectively. A police complaint filed by the Indian Coast Guard on February 15 alleged Asphalt Star smuggled heavy fuel oil to Al Jafzia and bitumen to Stellar Ruby. All three are currently docked off Mumbai.

Jugwinder Singh Brar, accused by the U.S. of operating a shipping fleet transporting Iranian oil, stated he was a consultant for all three tankers and denied any wrongdoing. “We were transporting bitumen and there is nothing illegal in doing this. My ships have been there for 40 days and I have faced losses,” he told Reuters, adding he was unaware of any ongoing negotiations regarding the tankers.