**Three Indian Sailors Missing After US Military Strike on Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman**
In a significant escalation of tensions in the Gulf of Oman, three Indian sailors are reported missing following a US military strike on the oil tanker Settebello, which was accused of attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of an American blockade. The incident occurred when US Central Command (Centcom) stated that an aircraft fired "precision munitions" into the engine room of the Palau-flagged vessel after the crew allegedly failed to comply with directives from American forces.
The Indian government confirmed that 21 other crew members, all of whom are Indian nationals, were rescued after the attack. In response to the incident, Indian officials summoned the deputy head of the US mission in New Delhi to express their concerns. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the need to cease the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region.
The Settebello is one of several vessels that have been impacted by the US military's ongoing blockade, which was initiated on April 13. This blockade was implemented after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas supplies are transported. Since the start of this operation, US forces have disabled eight vessels and redirected 134 others, according to Centcom reports.
Earlier in the week, another Palau-flagged tanker, the Marivex, was also struck by US forces under similar circumstances. The Marivex was reportedly fired upon after failing to comply with US instructions, but all 24 crew members were rescued by the Omani military.
The situation in the region remains tense, with ongoing hostilities between the US and Iran. Recently, US President Donald Trump threatened to take further military action against Iran, accusing the country of delaying peace negotiations and taking advantage of the situation. These comments follow a series of military confrontations, including the downing of an American helicopter, which Iran claimed was a violation of a ceasefire agreement.
The conflict has its roots in a series of strikes initiated by the US and Israel on February 28, which resulted in the death of Iran's supreme leader. In retaliation, Iran has launched attacks on US-allied states and Israel, leading to a rapid escalation of violence across the region, including involvement from Lebanon.
As the situation develops, the fate of the missing Indian sailors remains uncertain, and the Indian government is likely to continue its diplomatic efforts to secure their safety and address the broader implications of the US military's actions in the Gulf of Oman.