International
-Gaurav Sharma
A sharp split has emerged between the US military and President Donald Trump over strikes on Indian-crewed tankers in the Gulf of Oman. Centcom says it hit the vessels with Hellfire missiles, while Trump has blamed Iran for a “drone attack.” The clash has deepened concern after at least three Indian sailors were killed and dozens were rescued.
On Thursday, Centcom said it struck and disabled at least three commercial vessels operated by Indian crews. The ships were M/T Jalveer, M/T Settebello, and M/T Marivex. The command said they were violating the US blockade on Iran’s oil trade. It also released video showing Hellfire missiles being fired at the M/T Jalveer.
Centcom struck Indian tankers M/T Jalveer, M/T Settebello, and M/T Marivex in the Gulf of Oman for violating the Iran blockade, contradicting President Trump who blamed Iran’s drone attack, after three Indian sailors died and India lodged diplomatic protests.
Centcom and Indian seafarers face Donald Trump contradiction
The strikes took place over four days. At least three Indian seafarers aboard the Settebello died, while 65 people from the three vessels were rescued and taken ashore. Centcom said the blockade would continue to be “enforced impartially against vessels of all nations.” The statement left little doubt about direct US military action.
Trump then offered a different version on Friday. Posting on Truth Social, he accused Iran of leaking details of a possible peace deal to the “Fake News.” He also wrote, “Their totally rebuffed drone attack last night against Indian ships leaving the Hormuz Strait is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE,” shifting blame away from US forces.
Indian seafarers, Centcom and Donald Trump after protests
Trump’s remarks came after India lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Washington. On Friday, India again summoned US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks after another commercial vessel, carrying 20 Indian crew members, was attacked near Oman’s coast. The American envoy was called by the Ministry of External Affairs’ Additional Secretary for the Americas.
The US blockade in question was authorised by Trump himself on April 13. Its stated aim was to pressure Tehran into a peace agreement. That deal remains out of reach, but the blockade continues. India now sees rising risk, with 622 Indian seafarers on 13 India-flagged vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.
Nearly 18,000 Indian nationals also work on hundreds of foreign-flagged merchant ships across the wider Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping issued a fresh security advisory on Friday. For mariners there, the threat is not just war, but confusion over who is striking whom in waters now shaped by conflict.
