Three Indian sailors missing after US says it hit tanker in Gulf of Oman
Three Indian sailors missing after US says it hit tanker in Gulf of Oman
US military targets oil tanker in Gulf of Oman
Three Indian sailors missing after US says - The U.S. military has struck an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, claiming it attempted to ferry oil from Iran. A statement from U.S. Central Command posted on X noted that an aircraft deployed precision munitions into the engine room of the Palau-flagged Settebello after the crew ignored American directives. This incident marks the latest in a series of confrontations involving commercial vessels in the region.
India reports casualties and calls for restraint
India’s government confirmed three of its sailors are missing following the attack on the Settebello, while 21 crew members were safely retrieved by Omani forces. Officials emphasized that the assault on civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping "must end," highlighting concerns over escalating hostilities in the area.
Blockade context and operational impact
The U.S. imposed a blockade on Iranian ports after Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas trade. Centcom reported that eight vessels have been disabled and 134 others redirected since the blockade began on 13 April. The Gulf of Oman has become a focal point of this strategic maneuver.
Previous incident with Palau-flagged tanker
Earlier this week, U.S. forces targeted another Palau-flagged oil tanker, the Marivex, in the same region. The ship was attacked after it failed to heed American instructions, according to Centcom. Indian authorities stated all 24 crew members were rescued by Omani military personnel.
Ongoing tensions and Trump’s remarks
Escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S. show no signs of abating. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump warned Iran would face "hard" consequences, criticizing Tehran for delaying a peace agreement. "They’re playing Americans for suckers," he said in a
direct quote
. This follows a sequence of strikes by both sides, including the downing of an American helicopter on Monday. Iran accused the U.S. of breaching a ceasefire, while the U.S. dismissed the claim.
Conflict background and ceasefire status
The current conflict began on 28 February when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran, killing its supreme leader. In response, Iran retaliated with strikes on Israel and U.S.-aligned nations in the Gulf. The fighting expanded to Lebanon in March, intensifying regional instability. A ceasefire was agreed in April, initially set for two weeks, but tensions have since resurfaced.