NEW DELHI: A central government source on Monday dismissed as “baseless” a report claiming that India and Iran had discussed the release of three ships seized by New Delhi in exchange for ensuring safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The source also rejected assertions that the vessels were owned by Iran.“This report is baseless. There has been no discussion of this nature between Indian and Iranian authorities. In any case, the three vessels are not Iranian owned,” the source said.

Earlier, a Reuters report said that Iran has asked India to release three seized tanker ships in exchange for ensuring the safe passage of India-bound vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Gulf crisis triggered by attacks from United States and Israel on Iran. The report cited sources as saying that Iran’s ambassador to India met officials from the ministry of external affairs on Monday to discuss the matter. Indian coastal authorities in February reportedly seized three oil tankers sanctioned by the United States. The vessels were intercepted off the Mumbai coast and taken in for investigation over suspected involvement in illicit oil trade.The so-called “shadow fleet” ships — Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia — were seized on February 6.Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz cannot be used to launch attacks on Tehran and has indicated that vessel movement through the strategic waterway may be subject to certain conditions. Iranian officials said ships would be allowed to pass only under special circumstances due to what they described as insecurity created by Israel and the United States, adding that Iran’s armed forces monitor the route and would prevent it from being used for military action against the country.Since the beginning of US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, Tehran has carried out retaliatory attacks across the region, including targeting ships attempting to transit the strait. The incidents have resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors, while another remains missing.