Three Indian Nationals Killed in US Strike on Oil Tanker for Violating Iran Blockade
India summons senior US diplomat and lodges “strong protest” after precision missile fired into engine room of Palau-flagged vessel MT Settebello in Gulf of Oman
NEW DELHI / DUBAI — Three Indian crew members aboard a Palau-flagged oil tanker have been killed after the United States military struck the vessel in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly attempting to violate the American naval blockade on Iran, Indian officials confirmed Thursday .
The attack on the MT Settebello, which was carrying Iranian oil, involved an American aircraft firing “precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces,” the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said . Twenty-one of the 24 Indian crew members were rescued, but three men remained missing before their deaths were later confirmed .
Confirmed Fatalities and Growing Toll
India’s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced the deaths on social media platform X, describing the incident as “deeply unfortunate” . The three deceased sailors have been identified as two crew members and the chief engineer, Patnala Suresh .
“Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after two bodies were recovered,” Sonowal wrote . He added that he had directed officials to ensure “immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains” .
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) reported that two sailors died immediately following the strike, while the chief engineer remained missing for a period before his body was recovered .
India’s Diplomatic Protest
The Indian government took the rare step of summoning the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in New Delhi, Jason Meeks, to lodge a “strong protest” over the attack on the commercial vessel .
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and emphasized that “free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest” .
“The attack on vessels in the area is deeply concerning and a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict. We once again call on all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions,” the MEA stated .
The strike on the MT Settebello is the second incident involving an Indian-crewed vessel this week. Just two days earlier, on Monday, US forces disabled another Palau-flagged oil tanker, the MT Marivex, in the Gulf of Oman under similar circumstances . All 24 crew members from that vessel were rescued by the Omani military .
US Justification and the Blockade
The US military’s Central Command defended its actions, stating that the MT Settebello was “violating the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran” . CENTCOM said that the crew “repeatedly failed” to follow directions from American forces before the aircraft fired precision munitions .
The US naval blockade on Iranian ports was imposed on April 13, 2026, following Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict . The waterway is critical to global energy supplies, handling approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supplies .
According to CENTCOM, since the blockade was initiated, US forces have disabled eight vessels and redirected 134 others . The military has stated that 42 vessels carrying humanitarian supplies have been allowed to continue .
Maritime Organizations Condemn Escalation
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN’s shipping agency, issued a strong condemnation of the escalating attacks on commercial shipping.
“I strongly condemn any act from any party that endangers the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping. This is simply unacceptable,” said Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the IMO .
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that the MT Settebello experienced an engine room fire approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman’s Sohar port . The Omani Navy responded to the distress call and coordinated the rescue of the surviving crew members .
Broader Conflict Intensifies
The strike on the MT Settebello occurred amid a major escalation in the broader US-Iran conflict, with both sides exchanging attacks across the region .
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 8, 2026 | US forces strike MT Marivex tanker |
| June 10, 2026 | US strikes MT Settebello; 3 Indian crew killed |
| June 11, 2026 | US launches airstrikes on Iranian military sites; Iran fires back at US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan |
The US launched a second round of airstrikes on Iran into Thursday morning, targeting “Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems and air defense sites” . Iran responded with strikes targeting US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, with falling debris from interceptions injuring an 11-year-old girl in Bahrain and damaging cars and homes .
The fragile ceasefire brokered by Pakistan in early April has come under increasing strain, with diplomatic efforts to end the war remaining stalled .
FSUI Questions US Accountability
Manoj Yadav, General Secretary of the Forward Seamen’s Union of India, expressed outrage over the deaths and questioned the US military’s justification for using lethal force.
“I refuse to believe that the US lacked information regarding the nationalities of the people on board those ships,” Yadav told The Economic Times . “If the ships failed to heed their instructions, detaining them was a viable alternative” .
The union has been in contact with the families of the deceased sailors, who hail from different states across India—Himachal Pradesh, Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh .
India’s Position in the Conflict
India has maintained a neutral stance throughout the US-Iran war, advocating for diplomacy while protecting its economic interests in the region. Millions of Indian nationals work in Gulf countries, and India relies heavily on energy imports from the region.
The MEA reiterated its position, stating that “the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end” . India has consistently called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and urged all parties to pursue a diplomatic solution .
The rare step of summoning a senior US diplomat underscores the seriousness with which New Delhi views the deaths of its citizens and the potential implications for the safety of Indian seafarers working in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many Indian nationals were killed in the US strike on the oil tanker?
A: Three Indian nationals were killed when a US aircraft struck the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman on June 10, 2026. The victims include two crew members and the chief engineer, Patnala Suresh .
Q2: Why did the US military strike the oil tanker?
A: The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the tanker was struck for violating the ongoing American naval blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran. CENTCOM said an aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces .
Q3: What has been India’s response to the incident?
A: India summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in New Delhi to lodge a “strong protest” over the attack. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in the region .
Q4: Was this the only tanker attacked by the US this week?
A: No. On Monday, June 8, 2026, US forces disabled another Palau-flagged oil tanker, the MT Marivex, in the Gulf of Oman under similar circumstances. All 24 Indian crew members from that vessel were rescued by the Omani military .
Q5: What is the current status of the US-Iran ceasefire?
A: The fragile ceasefire brokered by Pakistan in early April has come under severe strain. The US and Iran have exchanged attacks for multiple days, with the US launching airstrikes on Iranian military sites and Iran responding with strikes on US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan .
Q6: How many vessels has the US disabled since imposing the blockade?
A: According to CENTCOM, since the blockade was initiated on April 13, 2026, US forces have disabled eight vessels and redirected 134 others. Forty-two vessels carrying humanitarian supplies have been allowed to continue .
Q7: What has been the international reaction to the tanker strike?
A: The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN’s shipping agency, strongly condemned any act that endangers the lives of seafarers. IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez stated that such actions are “simply unacceptable” .
This is a developing story. Reflecto News will continue to provide updates on the situation in the Gulf of Oman, India’s diplomatic engagement with the United States, and the broader regional conflict.
