Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian Rejected PM Narendra Modi’s Request To Allow Ship Passage Through Strait of Hormuz? MEA Fact Check Reveals Truth
The MEA Fact Check Unit has dismissed claims that Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected PM Narendra Modi’s request for ship passage in the Strait of Hormuz. MEA Fact Check labelled the viral posts as fake and baseless, identifying them as part of a campaign targeting India-Iran ties. Diplomatic talks continue to ensure the safety of Indian energy cargo.
Mumbai, March 13: The External Affairs Ministry’s (MEA) Fact Check Unit has officially debunked a series of viral social media claims alleging that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected a request from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the safe passage of Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz. MEA Fact Check clarified on Friday, March 13, that these reports are entirely baseless and represent a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation amidst the ongoing West Asia crisis.
The government has urged citizens and international observers to remain vigilant against such "fabricated" narratives designed to create diplomatic friction. The clarification comes as a wave of fake social media posts, deepfake videos and AI-generated audio clips have targeted Indian diplomatic relations with Middle Eastern nations. Did PM Narendra Modi Call for ‘Greater Israel and Akhand Bharat’ in a Viral Video? PIB Fact Check Confirms It Is a Deepfake.
Government Refutes Viral Posts Claiming Iranian President Rejected PM Modi’s Ship Passage Request
MEA Fact Check Debunks Claims Iranian President Rejected PM Modi’s Ship Passage Request
The MEA Fact Check Unit emphasised that no such rejection occurred and that diplomatic channels between New Delhi and Tehran remain open and functional, focusing on the security of Indian nationals and energy supply chains. "This is Fake News. Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims on social media!," MEA Fact Check wrote on X.
Earlier, the primary source of the misinformation was identified as a digitally manipulated video of MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. In the fake clip, Jaiswal was purportedly heard issuing a stern warning to Iran, claiming India would deliver a "harsher response than Pakistan" if Indian vessels were targeted. India Said ‘Iran Will Get Harsher Reply Than Pakistan’ After Hormuz Strait Tanker Attacks? MEA Fact Check Debunks AI Generated Video.
Shipping Realities in the Strait of Hormuz
Contrary to the claims of "rejected passage," recent maritime reports indicate that Indian-flagged vessels continue to navigate the region. On March 13, sources confirmed that India-bound oil tankers, including the Pushpak and Parimal, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz following diplomatic discussions.
India has consistently maintained a policy of "dialogue and diplomacy," with Prime Minister Modi recently speaking to President Pezeshkian to flag concerns regarding the safety of Indian crew members and the stability of energy flows. Iran has reportedly clarified that it is not stopping Indian ships, though it has imposed curbs on vessels linked to the U.S. and Israel.
Fact check
Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected PM Narendra Modi’s request to allow ship passage through Strait of Hormuz.
The claim is fake and baseless.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 13, 2026 04:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).