Peace without peace
The announcement of a framework agreement between the United States and Iran has understandably been greeted with relief.
Social media went into overdrive this week after a post claimed that Iran had stopped Indian ships from entering the Strait of Hormuz. The message spread fast, especially because it carried a photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But soon after, India’s official response came in.
MEA calls it fake news
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stepped in and dismissed the viral claim. The ministry said the post was false, calling it “fake news”.
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Fake News Alert!
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This is Fake News.
Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims on social media! pic.twitter.com/GFTs75JYh0
— MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) March 13, 2026
The viral claim from Iranian media
An Iranian media post had claimed that President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected a request from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
The post also alleged that countries seen as allies of the United States and Israel, including India, would not be allowed entry.
What actually happened in diplomatic talks
Earlier reports had suggested a different story. After discussions between India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, it was reported that Iran had agreed to allow India-flagged tankers to pass through the Strait.
The two ministers spoke about the evolving situation in West Asia, and maritime safety was a major part of their discussion. It was their third conversation since the conflict in the region intensified.
The EAM in a tweet said that he held another conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The discussion covered bilateral issues as well as BRICS-related matters
Had another conversation with Iranian FM @araghchi yesterday night.
Discussed bilateral matters as also BRICS related issues.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 13, 2026
Indian tankers continue sailing
According to sources, Indian tankers Pushpak and Parimal have been passing safely through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, ships from the US, Europe, and Israel have reportedly faced restrictions in the same waterway.
The Directorate General of Shipping reported that 28 Indian-flagged vessels have been operating in or near the Strait since tensions began. Eight ships that were east of the Strait when the conflict started have moved to safer waters.
Seven vessels (Desh Mahima, Desh Abhiman, Swarna Kamal, Vishva Prerna, Jag Viraat, Jag Lokesh, and LNGC Aseem) have reached the Arabian Sea. Another ship, Jag Lakshya, has sailed onward toward Angola.
Officials continue to monitor the movement of vessels closely.
Despite some safe crossings, the region remains tense. On March 11, a Thai-flagged cargo vessel, Mayuree Naree, was reportedly under attack near the Strait after leaving the UAE and heading toward Gujarat’s Kandla port. Authorities are investigating the incident.
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