US Central Command announced that an aircraft fired precision munitions into the engine room of the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello after the crew allegedly failed to comply with American directions. The vessel was accused of attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of a US blockade.

India's government reported three Indian sailors missing and 21 rescued following the attack off the coast of Oman. New Delhi condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and called for an end to such actions.

The US blockade, initiated on April 13 after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, has reportedly disabled eight vessels and redirected 134 others. The strait handles about 20% of global oil and gas supplies.

India summoned the deputy head of the US mission in Delhi to protest the incident. Earlier this week, another Palau-flagged tanker with an Indian crew, Marivex, was also fired upon in the Gulf of Oman.

Tensions between the US and Iran remain high. President Donald Trump threatened to hit Iran 'hard', accusing Tehran of delaying a peace deal. The conflict began on February 28 after US and Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader.

Source: www.bbc.com