US Strikes Three Tankers in Gulf of Oman, Kills 3 Indian Sailors, June 12

The US military struck three commercial tankers in the Gulf of Oman between Monday and Thursday, killing at least three Indian sailors. US Central Command said the vessels violated a blockade of Iranian ports imposed since April 13. India condemned the attacks and summoned a senior US diplomat to lodge a formal protest. The strikes occur as the US and Iran negotiate a potential ceasefire deal.

Three Vessels Hit in Four Days

US forces fired missiles at three tankers carrying Indian crew members. On Monday, the Marivex oil tanker was struck in the Gulf of Oman after attempting to sail to Iran. On Wednesday, the Palau-flagged MT Settebello was hit, killing three Indian sailors. On Thursday, the Guinea-Bissau flagged MT Jalveer was struck with two Hellfire missiles fired into its engine room.

US Central Command said each vessel violated the blockade and refused to comply with directions. Centcom reported it has disabled nine vessels and redirected 135 more since the blockade began on April 13. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass, remains effectively closed by Iran.

India Lodges Rare Formal Protest

India’s government summoned the deputy head of the US embassy in New Delhi to lodge an official protest. India’s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the three deceased sailors—deck cadet Aditya Sharma, engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya, and Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh—would be repatriated. India’s Foreign Ministry called for an end to “the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region.”

India stated it expects the US to “take due note of our protest against attacks on vessels carrying Indian seafarers.” The International Maritime Organization, a UN agency, also condemned the attacks. The timing is sensitive, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Donald Trump at the Group of Seven summit next week.

Ceasefire Talks Advance as Oil Prices Fall

President Trump announced on Thursday that he has cancelled further strikes against Iran after progress toward a deal. Trump said a memorandum of understanding is in “final shape” and could be signed as early as this weekend. The agreement aims to ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons and would lift the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz upon signing.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman told state TV a deal is not yet finalized, accusing the US of making “excessive demands.” Following Trump’s announcement, Brent crude oil prices dropped below $90 a barrel. Three ships attacked by the US in three days highlights the escalating risks to commercial shipping in the region.

Final Thoughts

India’s formal protest signals diplomatic strain over civilian casualties in the blockade. With ceasefire talks advancing and oil prices falling, the immediate risk to tanker traffic may ease, but the attacks expose the cost of geopolitical conflict on commercial shipping and seafarers.

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