DistantNews
Support us
US Neutralizes Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman Amid Tensions; India Demands Answers
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece /Conflict & Security

US Neutralizes Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman Amid Tensions; India Demands Answers

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • U.S. forces neutralized the M/T Settebello oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, disabling its engine room and navigation system.
  • The U.S. claims the vessel did not comply with safe anchoring and inspection orders, part of efforts to block Iranian ports.
  • India condemned the attack, reporting 21 rescued sailors and an unknown fate for three others, and summoned the U.S. envoy.

U.S. forces "neutralized" the Palau-flagged oil tanker M/T Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, disabling its engine room and navigation system. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that a fighter jet struck the ship after its crew repeatedly failed to comply with safe anchoring and inspection orders. This action is part of Washington's broader strategy to block Iranian ports and secure shipping lanes in the region.

The U.S. military announced that it "neutralized" the M/T Settebello oil tanker under the flag of Palau in the Gulf of Oman, as part of Washington's efforts to block Iranian ports and protect navigation in the region.

โ€” U.S. Central CommandReporting on the U.S. military's action against the tanker.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, confirming that 21 Indian sailors were rescued but the fate of three others remains unknown. India summoned the U.S. chargรฉ d'affaires in New Delhi to express strong protest and demand details about the operation and the safety of the missing crew members.

According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), a fighter jet struck the ship's engine room and disabled its navigation system, as โ€“ according to the Americans โ€“ the crew did not comply with repeated orders for safe anchoring and inspection.

โ€” U.S. Central CommandExplaining the U.S. justification for the attack.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Washington seeking to restrict maritime routes perceived to serve Iranian interests. Attacks on commercial and oil tankers raise concerns about further escalation and the safety of international oil transport. Maritime analysts warn that disabling engine rooms and navigation systems can leave vessels adrift and vulnerable, increasing the risk of human casualties and environmental damage. Diplomatic repercussions may follow if the actions are deemed excessive or unfounded.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and confirmed that 21 Indian sailors were rescued from the incident, while the fate of three other crew members remains unknown.

โ€” Indian Ministry of External AffairsIndia's reaction to the incident and its citizens' safety.

U.S. authorities have not released information on the identity of the three missing individuals or the whereabouts of the rescued crew. The incident is expected to feature in upcoming diplomatic discussions and international meetings, with shipping bodies calling for clear communication channels to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to further violence in the maritime area.

India summoned the chargรฉ d'affaires of the U.S. embassy in New Delhi for explanations, expressing strong protest and demanding details about the circumstances of the operation and the safety of the missing persons.

โ€” Indian Ministry of External AffairsIndia's diplomatic response to the U.S.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog