The US military has disabled the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, accusing the vessel of attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of an American blockade. US Central Command reported that aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship's engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions.
Indian authorities confirmed that 21 crew members were rescued, but three Indian sailors remain missing. In response, the Indian government summoned the deputy head of the US mission in Delhi, condemning the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure.
This incident marks the second strike on a Palau-flagged tanker with an Indian crew this week. Earlier, the Marivex was hit under similar circumstances, though all 24 crew members were rescued by Omani forces. Since initiating the blockade on April 13, US forces have disabled eight vessels and redirected 134 others to enforce restrictions on Iran’s ports following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions remain high as President Trump criticized Tehran for delaying a peace deal. The conflict, which began in late February with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has escalated across the region, drawing in Lebanon and challenging a fragile ceasefire agreed upon in April.