U.S. Military Disables Iranian-Linked Tanker in Gulf of Oman, Killing 3 Indian Sailors

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military disabled a Palau-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel ignored repeated warnings and attempts to evade an American blockade of Iran, according to a U.S. official. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors, has escalated tensions between the U.S. and India, with New Delhi lodging a formal protest.

U.S. Military Action Details

The M/T Settebello, a ship linked to Iran’s oil sanctions evasion network, was targeted after ignoring over 60 verbal warnings and eight show-of-force maneuvers by U.S. military aircraft, including flare drops and flyovers, the U.S. official said. The ship was struck with precision munitions in its engine room on Wednesday, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command, which stated crews were given 15 minutes to evacuate before the attack.

“After being in place for more than 60 days, it should be clear by now that U.S. forces will strictly enforce the blockade,” the command said in a statement. The official described the vessel as part of a “shadow fleet” used to smuggle Iranian oil, noting U.S. forces had communicated with the ship dozens of times over two weeks prior to the incident.

Indian Government Response

India’s foreign ministry condemned the attack, calling it a “strong protest” and demanding accountability. The country’s foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, reportedly raised the issue during a call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reiterated that “all commercial vessels should immediately comply with orders from U.S. forces as they seek to uphold peace and security in the Strait.”

Indian officials confirmed the deaths of three sailors aboard the M/T Settebello, though details about their roles or the ship’s exact cargo remain unclear. The Indian government has not yet released a formal statement on the casualties, but diplomatic channels are actively engaged in seeking clarification.

Context and Broader Implications

The incident underscores the U.S. strategy to enforce sanctions against Iran by targeting vessels suspected of fueling its economy. The M/T Settebello’s history of evading restrictions has been documented by the U.S. Treasury, which designated it as part of a network facilitating illicit oil trade. However, the attack has sparked concerns about the risks to civilian maritime operations in the region.

Analysts note that the U.S. blockade of Iran, part of broader efforts to curb Tehran’s nuclear program and regional influence, has increasingly involved direct military action. While the Pentagon frames such measures as necessary for regional stability, critics argue they risk escalating conflicts in a volatile corridor for global trade.

The incident also highlights the delicate balance between U.S. strategic interests and the safety of foreign crews. India, a key partner in Indo-Pacific security, has repeatedly called for transparency in such operations, emphasizing the need to avoid unintended casualties.