US Warns Ships in Hormuz Strait Amid Rising Tensions. (Img Internet)
Washington: The United States has issued a strong warning to commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz, as diplomatic tensions intensify over recent attacks on ships carrying Indian nationals in waters near Oman.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly told Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during a phone call that all commercial vessels must immediately comply with directives issued by US forces operating in the region. He further warned that violations of the US blockade and any involvement in the transport of Iranian oil would not be tolerated.
The statement comes amid heightened military and political tensions in the region linked to ongoing hostilities between the United States and Iran.
In response to the growing security concerns, India summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi for the second time in 48 hours. The meeting was held by the Ministry of External Affairs after repeated incidents involving Indian crewed vessels in the Gulf region.
India has expressed serious concern over the safety of its nationals and has taken up the matter diplomatically with US authorities.
The latest escalation follows a string of attacks on merchant vessels off the coast of Oman. A vessel identified as MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian crew members, was reportedly targeted near the port of Shinas. The ship is Guinea-flagged, and visuals circulating online showed smoke rising from the vessel.
Earlier incidents include an attack on MT Marivex on June 8, where all 24 Indian crew members were safely rescued after a fire broke out following a strike. On June 10, MT Settebello, a Palau-flagged tanker, was also hit. Three Indian seafarers lost their lives, while others were rescued.
India has described the situation as deeply concerning and has demanded accountability over repeated incidents involving commercial shipping routes in the region.
The US has blamed Iran for recent drone attacks on vessels leaving the Strait of Hormuz, an allegation strongly rejected by Tehran. Iran has accused Washington of spreading misinformation and shifting focus from the incidents involving commercial ships.
The situation continues to escalate, with multiple governments closely monitoring developments in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
