Three Indian sailors died after U.S. forces struck an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on June 10, 2026. The operation targeted the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, marking the deadliest incident in Washington’s ongoing naval blockade against Iran.
The strike hit the vessel's engine room, killing crew members Aditya Sharma, Shivanand Chaurasia, and Patnala Suresh. Omani authorities rescued the remaining 21 Indian nationals aboard the ship. All 24 crew members were civilian merchant sailors.
U.S. Central Command stated the attack followed the crew's alleged attempt to defy blockade orders established on April 13 to halt Iranian oil exports. This enforcement action was originally triggered by Iranian restrictions on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
New Delhi has summoned a U.S. diplomat in response to the casualties. India’s Shipping Minister called the incident deeply unfortunate, signaling that the conflict now involves civilian deaths from a third nation.