Tanker Hit Near Strategic Gulf Waters
The United States military has confirmed that it attacked an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel allegedly attempted to sail toward an Iranian port in violation of a naval blockade.
The tanker, identified as MT Marivex, was carrying 24 Indian crew members at the time of the incident. The Palau-flagged vessel was operating near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes, when it was struck off the Omani coast.
Authorities said a fire was reported on board after the projectile hit the ship. The crew sent out an SOS signal, prompting an emergency response.
Indian Navy helicopters later evacuated all 24 Indian sailors safely. No deaths among the crew were reported.
The incident has intensified concerns over rising military tensions in the region. It also highlights the growing risks faced by commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM Says Vessel Ignored Warnings
In a statement, the US Central Command said American forces disabled an unladen oil tanker after it violated the blockade against Iran.
CENTCOM said an F/A-18 Super Hornet from the USS Abraham Lincoln fired a precision munition into the ship’s engineering and steering areas. The command said the action was taken after the crew failed to comply with instructions from US forces.
According to CENTCOM, the tanker was no longer sailing toward Iran after the strike.
The command also said that since the blockade began on April 13, US forces had disabled seven non-compliant vessels. It added that 134 ships had been redirected after complying with instructions, while 42 humanitarian aid vessels had been allowed to pass.
India Confirms Safe Rescue of Crew
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said its embassy coordinated with Omani authorities to ensure the safe rescue of the Indian crew.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said there had been some communication between the vessel and the US Navy before the incident. He confirmed that all 24 crew members were Indian nationals and had been rescued.
India also thanked the Omani government for its support during the rescue operation.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for global energy supplies. Any disruption in the area can affect oil markets and increase shipping risks.
The latest incident comes amid broader regional tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Reports say the waterway has faced severe disruption since hostilities escalated earlier this year.
With the tanker disabled and its crew rescued, attention is now expected to turn toward legal, diplomatic and security questions surrounding the strike.
The incident may also increase pressure on shipping companies operating near Iranian waters. Energy markets are likely to watch developments closely as military activity continues around one of the world’s busiest oil corridors.
