US-Iran conflict near Strait of Hormuz: Indian sailors among those at risk

TEHRAN/MUSCAT: The ongoing US-Iran confrontation near the Strait of Hormuz has put the lives of hundreds of sailors, including Indian crew members, in danger. The United States reportedly attacked another ship carrying Indian personnel on Thursday.

The vessel, MT Jalveer, a bitumen tanker sailing through the Gulf of Oman with 20 Indian crew members on board, was hit by two US missiles. Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that three Indian sailors aboard the oil tanker Settebello, which came under a US attack on Wednesday, were killed.

Following the incident, India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned Jason Meeks, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in New Delhi, and formally lodged a protest.

All crew members aboard MT Jalveer are safe. The Omani military escorted them to the port of Shinas after a fire broke out in the ship's engine room. The tanker sails under the flag of Guinea-Bissau. This is the third vessel with Indian crew members to be attacked by the United States within four days. A separate Iranian cargo ship carrying essential goods was also reportedly attacked. Although the vessel sank, all five crew members were rescued by another ship.

Meanwhile, Iran announced that it has completely closed the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the waterway would be destroyed. Reports also claim that two commercial ships have been attacked.

At the same time, US President Donald Trump said late Thursday that peace talks aimed at ending the conflict had reached a turning point. Trump also cancelled a planned US strike on Iran that had been scheduled for early Friday morning. Earlier, Trump had threatened to seize Kharg Island, a key hub of Iran's oil industry, and take full control of Iranian oil exports in a manner similar to US actions against Venezuela. However, his latest comments suggest a possible shift toward diplomacy.

Iran targets US bases
The U.S. reportedly carried out strikes on air defence and radar facilities along Iran's southern coast, including Bandar Abbas, Minab and Qeshm Island. Attacks on storage and refining facilities reportedly disrupted water supplies in parts of southern Iran. Three people were injured in strikes in Tehran province.

In response, Iran reportedly targeted U.S. military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. One missile is said to have landed near the U.S. naval headquarters in Manama, Bahrain.

"We will take complete control of Iran's oil and gas markets, similar to what was done in Venezuela."
- Donald Trump, U.S. President

India calls for end to attacks in Hormuz
India has urged the United States to immediately halt attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. The demand came after the reported deaths of three Indian sailors.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India conveyed its protest after summoning the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission. He added that attacks on ships in the region are a matter of serious concern and that India places the highest priority on the safety and welfare of seafarers.