In the latest incident involving Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman, American forces struck the oil tanker M/T Jalveer with two Hellfire missiles on Thursday, marking the third attack within four days on vessels crewed by Indians in the region. All 20 Indian sailors aboard the tanker were successfully rescued following the strike and were later taken safely to Oman's Shinas port. The attack has further heightened concerns about the safety of commercial shipping and Indian seafarers operating in waters affected by the ongoing US-led blockade targeting Iranian oil exports.
According to a statement issued by United States Central Command (CENTCOM), an American aircraft launched two Hellfire missiles at the vessel's engine room after the crew allegedly failed to comply with repeated instructions issued by US forces. The tanker, sailing under the Guinea-Bissau flag, was accused by American authorities of attempting to transport Iranian oil through the Gulf of Oman in violation of the blockade measures currently being enforced by Washington.
CENTCOM stated that the operation was part of its broader campaign to restrict the movement of Iranian oil exports. The command emphasised that the blockade was being implemented without regard to nationality and applied equally to vessels from all countries entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas. According to the US military, enforcement measures are intended to prevent the transportation of Iranian oil and petrochemical products through waters connected to the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
The missiles used in the operation were Hellfire precision-guided missiles, a class of air-to-surface weapons commonly employed by the US military against armoured vehicles and high-value targets. These missiles are capable of being launched from aircraft, helicopters, drones, naval vessels, and ground-based platforms. In the case of M/T Jalveer, the missiles reportedly targeted the ship's engine room rather than the vessel itself, a tactic designed to disable rather than sink the ship.
The attack on M/T Jalveer follows two similar incidents involving Indian-crewed vessels earlier in the week. On June 8, American forces intercepted and targeted M/T Marivex, which had 24 Indian crew members on board. All personnel aboard that vessel were rescued safely. The following day, another tanker, M/T Settebello, also crewed by Indians, came under attack. That incident resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors, while the remaining 21 crew members were rescued.
The attack on M/T Settebello generated significant concern in India and led to a strong diplomatic response from New Delhi. The Indian government condemned the strike and summoned Jason Meeks to lodge a formal protest. The diplomatic démarche issued by India represented one of the strongest expressions of concern directed at the United States during President Donald Trump's second term in office.
Reports indicated that, unlike some vessels previously sanctioned by the United States, M/T Settebello was not listed by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control as a blacklisted vessel. This added to questions surrounding the circumstances of the strike and intensified calls for greater transparency regarding enforcement actions in the region.
India's Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf region. The ministry stated that repeated incidents involving civilian vessels posed serious risks to maritime safety and international trade. It further emphasised that commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure should not become targets of military operations and called for the restoration of free and unhindered navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law.
The attacks are linked to a broader US strategy aimed at restricting Iran's oil exports. The United States imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and shipping routes on April 13 following the collapse of diplomatic negotiations intended to address wider regional tensions involving Iran. The blockade was announced by President Donald Trump and is being enforced by CENTCOM as part of Washington's effort to cut off revenue generated through Iranian oil exports.
Under the terms of the blockade, all vessels entering or departing Iranian ports or coastal areas in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman are subject to scrutiny. While ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz to destinations unrelated to Iran are generally permitted to continue their journeys, vessels suspected of transporting Iranian oil may face interception, diversion, boarding, seizure, or disabling actions if they fail to comply with instructions from US forces.
The United States maintains that these measures are necessary to increase economic pressure on Tehran and limit its ability to generate revenue through oil sales. American officials argue that the blockade is a key component of a broader strategy designed to influence Iranian policy and reduce its capacity to finance activities viewed by Washington as destabilising.
Since the blockade was introduced approximately eight weeks ago, US forces have reportedly intercepted, diverted, or turned back numerous vessels operating in the region. Several ships have also been disabled through targeted strikes against propulsion systems and engine rooms. The operations involving M/T Marivex, M/T Settebello, and M/T Jalveer are part of this wider enforcement campaign.
While American authorities argue that the blockade has significantly reduced Iranian oil exports, the policy has also generated considerable concern within the international maritime community. Shipping companies, insurers, and governments have warned that military actions against commercial vessels increase risks for civilian crews and could have wider implications for global trade and energy markets.
The repeated involvement of Indian sailors in these incidents has added another layer of complexity to the situation. India has traditionally maintained strong interests in maritime security and the protection of its citizens working aboard international vessels. The deaths of Indian crew members and the repeated rescue operations involving Indian sailors have prompted calls for enhanced safeguards and diplomatic engagement to prevent further loss of life.
As tensions continue in the Gulf of Oman and around the Strait of Hormuz, the attacks on Indian-crewed vessels highlight the growing risks facing commercial shipping in one of the world's most strategically important maritime corridors. With the blockade still in effect and regional tensions showing little sign of easing, concerns remain that additional vessels and civilian crews could become caught in the increasingly dangerous confrontation unfolding in the region.
