India and New Zealand have summoned Iranian diplomats to lodge formal protests following recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The diplomatic escalation comes after Iran struck two ships carrying a total of 30 Indian sailors, an incident that resulted in the death of one seafarer and injuries to several others.
The move by New Delhi and Wellington signals growing international intolerance for disruptions to one of the world’s most critical energy transit corridors.
By targeting merchant shipping, the attacks directly threaten the flow of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, raising the risk premium for global energy supplies and freight rates.
The summons follow a broader pattern of hostility in the region, with multiple countries now expressing concern over the safety of maritime traffic.
The International Chamber of Shipping has previously warned that seafarers are bearing the brunt of the escalating tensions in the Strait, underscoring the human cost of the geopolitical standoff.