Three Indian sailors are dead following a US military strike on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman on June 10. The incident has triggered sharp condemnation from New Delhi and intensified scrutiny of Washington’s enforcement campaign against Iranian crude exports.
US Central Command stated the vessel was targeted after ignoring repeated directives to halt. Authorities suspected the tanker was attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of American sanctions. Omani officials rescued 21 crew members, but three sailors were confirmed dead.
This engagement follows a similar strike on the MT Marivex just two days prior. The enforcement zone centers on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. India’s Ministry of External Affairs formally protested the attack, emphasizing its commitment to protecting seafarers in volatile maritime environments.
The incident places India in a complex diplomatic position as a major oil importer maintaining ties with both Washington and Tehran. With multiple sovereign nations having stakes in these waters, the strikes highlight escalating risks for international shipping amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.