U.S. Military Strikes Tanker Off Oman
On Thursday, a U.S. military jet launched two missiles at the engine room of the tanker Jalveer, located off the coast of Oman. This action was confirmed by U.S. Central Command (Centcom), which stated that all 20 crew members on board were safe after what marked the third attack on Indian-operated tankers this week.
Just a day prior, a U.S. strike on another tanker, the Settebello, led to the deaths of three Indian sailors. Centcom explained that the U.S. aircraft targeted the Guinea-Bissau-flagged Jalveer after the crew did not follow multiple instructions from U.S. forces. The tanker was reportedly trying to transport oil from Iran through the Gulf of Oman.
An official from India’s shipping ministry reported that the crew members are safe and are being evacuated with the assistance of the Royal Navy of Oman. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal from the Indian foreign ministry expressed strong concern, stating that these attacks need to come to an end.
This incident follows the earlier disabling of the Marivex oil tanker on Monday, which was also crewed by Indians. In response, India has urged its agencies to remain vigilant in case of any emergencies involving its sailors or maritime interests. The shipping ministry advised all Indian seafarers on both Indian and foreign-flagged vessels to be extra cautious while navigating through areas impacted by conflict.
The U.S. has been enforcing a blockade related to Iranian shipping since April 13, after Iran restricted shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key pathway for global oil and gas transport. Centcom reported that this blockade has resulted in the disabling of nine non-compliant vessels, rerouted 135 others, and permitted 42 vessels delivering humanitarian aid to pass through.
The U.S. actions have targeted not only Iranian ships but also those carrying Iranian cargoes, including older vessels often referred to as “shadow fleet” tankers, which evade sanctions by using flags from various countries to hide their ownership and true purpose. It is important to note that of the three recent tankers targeted, only the Marivex was under U.S. sanctions.
