In brief
U.S. forces disabled the oil tanker Settebello after it allegedly tried to transport Iranian oil, drawing criticism from India that three sailors vanished and 21 crew were rescued. The incident follows a broader maritime blockade launched on 13 April to thwart Iranian shipping, resulting in eight vessels disabled and 134 diverted. India's government condemned the attack and summoned the U.S. deputy envoy, while tensions with Iran remain heightened amid statements from President Trump threatening further strikes.
The United States Central Command said it fired precision munitions into the engine room of the Palau‑flagged tanker Settebello, which it claimed had failed to comply with orders and was attempting to transport Iranian oil.
India reports that three of its sailors are missing after the attack, while 21 crew members were rescued by Omani authorities. The Indian government has condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and summoned the U.S. deputy head of mission in Delhi to explain the incident.
Since the blockade began in April, U.S. forces have disabled eight vessels and redirected 134 others. The latest strike follows a prior hit on a Marivex tanker and comes amid heightened rhetoric from President Donald Trump, who warned of further action against Iran.
The Gulf of Oman lies near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint through which roughly 20% of global oil flows. The United States has expressed that the blockade is necessary to prevent Iranian influence in the region, while India calls for the end of such actions against civilian maritime infrastructure.
