U.S. Attacks Oil Tanker for "Violating Iran Blockade"; India Protests Over 3 Missing Nationals

The United States has used fighter jets to attack a Palau-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, claiming it violated the maritime blockade against Iran.
The Indian government issued a statement noting that 24 Indian crew members were on board the vessel, three of whom are currently missing. India also summoned the acting U.S. ambassador to protest the incident.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on June 10 (local time), the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated, "At approximately 11:14 p.m. on June 9, we neutralized a vessel in the Gulf of Oman that was attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of the maritime blockade."
CENTCOM identified the neutralized vessel as the Palau-flagged *Setebello* and reported that U.S. fighter jets conducted precision strikes targeting the engine room after the ship repeatedly failed to comply with U.S. military instructions.
CENTCOM also neutralized another Palau-flagged vessel, the *Maribex*, which was heading toward Iran, on June 8.
Since the start of the maritime blockade against Iran on April 13, the U.S. military reports that it has neutralized 8 vessels that refused to comply with blockade orders, turned back 134 ships, and permitted the passage of 42 humanitarian aid vessels.
In response, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that 24 Indian crew members were aboard the merchant vessel *Setebello*, and while 21 have been rescued, three remain missing.
Reuters and other outlets reported that India summoned Jason Mix, the acting U.S. ambassador to India, to lodge a formal protest.
While the Indian Foreign Ministry did not explicitly name the U.S. in its statement, it expressed "grave concern over the continued attacks on vessels in the region" and urged for "immediate de-escalation and a diplomatic solution through negotiations to restore peace and stability in the region."
The ministry further emphasized, "Attacks targeting merchant vessels and civilian facilities must stop," adding that "freedom of navigation in the region and trade through international waterways, in accordance with international law, must be restored at an early date."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.