Three Indian sailors missing after US says it hit tanker in Gulf of Oman
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- The US military disabled the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of an American blockade.
- Three Indian sailors are missing and 21 crew members rescued following the attack, prompting India to condemn targeting of commercial shipping and summon the US deputy mission head.
- Since the blockade began on April 13, US forces have disabled eight vessels and redirected 134 others to enforce restrictions on Iranian oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Tensions between the US and Iran remain high, with President Trump threatening stronger action against Iran amid ongoing strikes and accusations of ceasefire violations following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader.
- The conflict, which began in late February with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has rapidly escalated, involving multiple regional actors including Lebanon and resulting in sustained military confrontations.