Three Ships Attacked by the US in Three Days: What We Know About the Escalating Gulf Crisis

Tensions in the Gulf region have sharply escalated after the United States carried out attacks on three merchant vessels within three days near the Strait of Hormuz, triggering diplomatic protests from India and raising fears over maritime security in one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

The incidents occurred amid an ongoing US-led blockade targeting vessels suspected of transporting Iranian oil following renewed confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Reports indicate that multiple ships carrying Indian crew members were struck or disabled by US forces after allegedly refusing inspection or ignoring military warnings. (Reuters)

What Happened?

According to US Central Command, the vessels were intercepted in the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz after authorities claimed the ships violated blockade restrictions linked to Iranian oil exports. The US military said warnings were issued before action was taken. (Reuters)

One of the most serious incidents involved the tanker MT Settebello, where a US strike reportedly killed three Indian seafarers after the crew abandoned the vessel during the attack. Indian officials confirmed the deaths and stated that 21 other crew members were rescued by the Omani Navy. (The Guardian)

Another tanker, identified in reports as M/T Jalveer, was reportedly struck by two Hellfire missiles fired at its engine room after the vessel allegedly ignored repeated warnings from US forces. (The Times of India)

Reports suggest this marked the third attack involving Indian-crewed merchant ships in just four days. (The Economic Times)

Why Is the US Targeting Ships?

The attacks are linked to the broader US-Iran confrontation that intensified after Washington launched operations aimed at restricting Iranian oil exports and enforcing a maritime blockade around Iranian ports.

US officials claim the targeted ships were transporting Iranian-linked cargo or attempting to bypass military restrictions. However, some ship operators denied any connection to Iran and demanded independent international investigations into the incidents. (Reuters)

The crisis follows months of instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass.

India Lodges Strong Protest

India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior US diplomat and issued what officials described as a “strong protest” over the attacks. Indian authorities called for an immediate end to military strikes on merchant vessels carrying civilian crews. (The Guardian)

The deaths of Indian sailors have intensified concerns in New Delhi because India supplies a significant share of the global maritime workforce. The Indian government is now reportedly monitoring the safety of hundreds of Indian seafarers operating in Gulf waters. (Reuters)

Growing Regional Instability

The maritime attacks come despite recent statements from President Donald Trump suggesting that diplomatic discussions with Iran were progressing toward a possible agreement. However, military incidents have continued across the region. (The Guardian)

Oil markets initially reacted nervously to the escalating tensions before stabilizing after reports that additional US strikes on Iran may have been delayed. Analysts warn that continued attacks on commercial shipping could threaten global energy supplies and international trade routes. (The Guardian)

International maritime organizations and shipping companies have also raised concerns over the increasing dangers faced by civilian crews operating in the Gulf region. (Reuters)

What Happens Next?

There has been no official announcement of a ceasefire or suspension of maritime operations in the region. Diplomatic channels between Washington, Tehran, and regional allies remain active, but tensions continue to rise.

The United Nations’ maritime agencies and several governments are expected to push for greater protections for commercial shipping as investigations into the attacks continue. (Reuters)