Gulf of Oman tensions rise after US targets vessel carrying Indian crew
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has acknowledged carrying out a missile strike on a tanker carrying Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman, making it the third vessel with Indian seafarers to come under attack near Oman in recent days.
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said a US aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the engine room of the Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker MT Jalveer after the vessel allegedly failed to comply with directions issued by US forces.
“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) acted against Guinea-Bissau flagged M/T Jalveer as it attempted to transport oil from Iran through the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from U.S. forces,” the statement said.
According to CENTCOM, US forces have disabled nine vessels, redirected 135 ships that complied with instructions and allowed 42 humanitarian aid vessels to pass since the blockade began on April 13.
Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that five of the ship’s 20 crew members were rescued by passing vessels and taken to Oman following the attack.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 11, 2026
The incident comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the Gulf region. India has strongly condemned recent attacks on commercial vessels manned by Indian crew members and has called for an immediate halt to such actions.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the attacks as “deeply worrisome” and reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to the welfare and safety of Indian seafarers.
“There have been several incidents involving Indian seafarers in West Asia in the last few days. We attach high importance to the welfare and well-being of our seafarers’ community,” Jaiswal said.
India had earlier summoned the US Charge d’Affaires after an attack on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello off the Oman coast resulted in the deaths of three Indian nationals.
MT Jalveer is now the third vessel carrying Indian crew members to be caught in the escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. Earlier this week, MT Settebello came under attack, while another tanker, MT Marivex, suffered a fire after being targeted south of the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest incident has heightened concerns about maritime security in one of the world’s most strategically important shipping corridors, through which a significant portion of global energy supplies and international trade passes.
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