The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that American forces carried out action against the tanker MT Jalveer in the Gulf of Oman, marking the third incident involving an Indian-crewed vessel in the region within a week. The development comes amid rising military tensions linked to the ongoing US-Iran confrontation and Washington’s enforcement of a maritime blockade targeting vessels suspected of violating sanctions.
According to reports, MT Jalveer was operating off the Omani coast near Shinas Port when it became involved in a maritime security incident. The vessel had 20 Indian seafarers on board. Indian authorities later confirmed that all crew members were safe and evacuation procedures were undertaken without reports of casualties among those onboard.
CENTCOM has maintained that its recent maritime operations are aimed at enforcing the US-led blockade against Iran and preventing the movement of cargo linked to Tehran. The command has stated that several vessels have been intercepted, disabled or redirected after allegedly failing to comply with instructions issued by American forces.
The incident involving MT Jalveer has intensified concerns in New Delhi, particularly because it follows a series of attacks on vessels carrying Indian crew members. Earlier this week, the tanker Settebello was struck in a separate operation, resulting in the deaths of three Indian sailors. The Indian government has strongly expressed concern over the safety of its seafarers working in international waters and has called for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
The Indian Embassy in Oman stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and remains in contact with local Omani authorities to gather details and assist affected crew members. Officials said the welfare and safety of Indian nationals remain a top priority.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has also voiced concern over the increasing risks faced by Indian maritime workers operating in the Gulf region. India is one of the world’s largest suppliers of seafarers, with hundreds of thousands of Indian sailors serving on international commercial vessels.
The broader regional situation remains volatile. US President Donald Trump has issued fresh warnings against Iran while military operations continue across the Gulf. Reports indicate that maritime routes near the Strait of Hormuz have become increasingly dangerous, raising concerns for global shipping, energy supplies and the safety of civilian crews.
International shipping organizations and maritime experts have urged all parties to avoid actions that endanger civilian sailors. The International Maritime Organization has also condemned attacks that threaten the safety of commercial shipping and innocent seafarers.
The MT Jalveer incident is significant because it highlights how commercial shipping is increasingly being caught in the crossfire of the US-Iran conflict. While the United States argues that its actions are part of enforcing sanctions and a naval blockade, countries such as India are concerned about the safety of civilian sailors working aboard merchant vessels.
With three Indian seafarers already killed in a separate strike this week and another Indian-crewed vessel now targeted, pressure is mounting on all sides to pursue diplomacy and prevent further loss of life in one of the world’s most important shipping corridors.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat said it was closely monitoring the situation involving MT Jalveer and was in constant touch with Omani authorities. In an official statement, the embassy said,“We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off Shinas port of Oman earlier today. We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the local authorities for further details.”
The mission assured that it was gathering information on the incident and keeping a close watch on the safety and well-being of the Indian crew members onboard.
According to subsequent updates from Indian authorities, all 20 Indian seafarers aboard MT Jalveer were reported safe and crew evacuation procedures had begun following the maritime security incident near Oman’s Shinas port.
