US strikes Palau‑flagged oil tanker in Gulf of Oman, India reports three missing sailors

The U.S. Central Command announced that an aircraft fired precision munitions into the engine room of the Palau‑flagged tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. said the ship was attempting to transport oil from Iran and failed repeated orders to cease operations.

India’s government confirmed that three Indian sailors are missing and that 21 crew members were rescued following the attack. The Indian government described the incident as a “violation” of international shipping safety in the region.

This strike follows a broader U.S. strategy to block access to Iranian ports after Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz to some 20% of global oil traffic. According to CENTCOM, U.S. forces have disabled eight vessels and redirected 134 others since the blockade began on 13 April.

The Indian government has summoned the deputy head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Delhi to express its concerns over the targeting of commercial shipping.

Earlier this week, U.S. forces struck another Palau‑flagged tanker called Marivex, which also had an Indian crew. All 24 crew members were rescued by Omani forces, the Indian authorities said.

The incident unfolds amid continued tensions between Iran and the U.S., with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening further action against Tehran and both sides exchanging air strikes since the recent helicopter incident on 26 February.

The broader conflict, which began on 28 February after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has escalated to a multi‑regional war involving Israel, the U.S., Iran, and nearby Gulf states. A ceasefire agreed in April was initially set for two weeks but has not yet ended hostilities.

For further context, see the FCC page on U.S. maritime blockade measures and the recent actions taken against vessels suspected of transporting Iranian oil.