Indian Crew Vessel Attacked Near Oman as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate; Global Shipping Faces Fresh Uncertainty

A commercial vessel carrying Indian crew members came under attack near Oman’s Shinas port on Thursday, raising fresh concerns about maritime security in the Gulf region.

Following the incident, the Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed that it was in touch with local authorities and was closely monitoring developments.

Officials said they were gathering further information about the vessel and the condition of those on board.

The latest attack occurred just a day after three Indian seafarers lost their lives when the tanker Settebello was struck in the Gulf of Oman.

Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the bodies of two of the deceased sailors had been recovered, while efforts were continuing to ascertain the status of the remaining crew members.

According to the United States, its forces carried out what it described as a “precision strike” against the tanker after the vessel allegedly ignored instructions and was suspected of transporting Iranian oil.

The incident has further heightened tensions in an already volatile maritime corridor.

Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) General Secretary Manoj Yadav stated that the three sailors involved hailed from different parts of the country, including Himachal Pradesh, Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.

The tragedy has sparked concern among maritime workers and their families across India.

Meanwhile, ship-tracking data reviewed by Reuters indicates that three liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers have recently moved through the Strait of Hormuz with their transponders switched off before reappearing on tracking systems.

The unusual movement has drawn attention amid growing fears over the safety of commercial shipping routes in the region.

Among the vessels, QatarEnergy-controlled tankers Lebrethah and Rasheeda were last detected west of the Strait of Hormuz after loading cargoes from Ras Laffan.

Both ships later resurfaced on tracking systems on June 10 after extended periods without visible location data.

Tracking information suggests that Lebrethah, which loaded LNG on May 22, is currently heading towards Pakistan.

Rasheeda, carrying a cargo since late February, is reportedly approaching Southeast Asia.

The security situation has been further complicated by strong warnings from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to reports, the IRGC Navy declared that vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz would effectively be viewed as “cooperating with the enemy.”

The force announced that the strategic waterway would remain closed until further notice and advised ships anchored in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman not to move.

Iranian officials said the decision was taken in response to what they described as repeated violations of the ceasefire by the United States.

Earlier statements from the IRGC also warned that any vessel attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz could face military action, intensifying concerns among global shipping operators and energy markets.

Amid the worsening crisis, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged the European Union to be prepared to impose additional sanctions on Iran if tensions in West Asia continue to escalate.

Addressing Italy’s parliament, Meloni said that if Tehran persisted on its current course, the EU should be ready to increase pressure through new targeted measures.

She also criticised comments made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir about Italy, calling them unacceptable and unworthy of a close ally.

The twin developments — attacks on vessels carrying Indian crew members and growing threats surrounding the Strait of Hormuz — have amplified concerns over the safety of one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.

With energy supplies, commercial shipping, and regional stability all at stake, governments and shipping companies are watching the situation with increasing alarm.