Tensions in the Gulf: Three Indian Sailors Killed in U.S. Strike

An unusual incident: The Indian government announced this morning, Thursday, that three Indian sailors were killed aboard an oil tanker attacked last night by the U.S. military, on the grounds that it violated the American naval blockade on Iran and attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The incident took place yesterday evening, when the oil tanker MT Settebello was attacked in the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. military said the tanker was trying to transport oil from Iran and did not comply with instructions from American forces. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), this was a “violation of the blockade” on Iran, and as a result an American aircraft fired “precision munitions” into the tanker’s engine room. There were 24 Indian crew members aboard the tanker, most of whom were rescued safely following the attack. However, three of them were reported missing. Now, India’s shipping minister has said that the bodies of two of them have been recovered, while the third has not yet been found. He said, “This is a very unfortunate incident.” The unusual incident could lead to a diplomatic crisis between the U.S. and India, which are generally considered allies and traditional friends. Following the incident and confirmation of the sailors’ deaths, Indian media reported that the U.S. deputy ambassador in New Delhi was summoned for a meeting, during which it was claimed that “a strong protest was conveyed over the incident.”