A striking contradiction has emerged between statements made by the US military and US President Donald Trump regarding attacks on three Indian-crewed commercial tankers in the Gulf of Oman.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces directly targeted and disabled three vessels—M/T Jalveer, M/T Settebello, and M/T Marivex—over four days as part of the US-led blockade aimed at restricting Iranian oil exports. CENTCOM stated that the vessels were suspected of violating blockade restrictions and released video footage showing Hellfire missiles being fired at M/T Jalveer. The command said the blockade would continue to be enforced against vessels of all nationalities.
The attacks had serious consequences. Three Indian sailors aboard M/T Settebello were reported killed, while approximately 65 other Indian crew members from the three vessels were rescued. The incidents triggered concern in India because thousands of Indian seafarers continue to operate in the Gulf region and around the Strait of Hormuz.
However, President Donald Trump later appeared to present a different version of events. In a post on Truth Social, he blamed Iran for what he described as a drone attack against Indian ships leaving the Strait of Hormuz, calling the alleged action "totally unacceptable." His statement appeared to attribute responsibility for the attacks to Iranian forces rather than to US military operations.
The discrepancy has raised questions because CENTCOM's public statements and released footage explicitly describe US military action against the vessels, whereas Trump's comments place responsibility on Iran. No official explanation has been provided regarding the apparent difference between the military's account and the President's characterization of the incident.
The controversy comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions. India has formally protested the attacks and summoned senior US diplomatic representatives in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed concern over attacks on commercial shipping and emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and the safety of civilian mariners.
India's concerns are significant given its maritime presence in the region. Hundreds of Indian sailors serve aboard India-flagged vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz, while thousands more work on foreign-flagged merchant ships throughout the Gulf. The Directorate General of Shipping has issued fresh security advisories to Indian seafarers in response to the deteriorating situation.
The broader context is the ongoing confrontation involving Iran and the US-led blockade of Iranian maritime trade. As military operations, commercial shipping, and international diplomacy increasingly intersect in the Gulf region, the safety of civilian crews—including large numbers of Indian sailors—has become a growing concern. For those operating in the area, the principal challenge is not only the conflict itself but also the uncertainty surrounding military actions and competing public narratives about who is responsible for them.
