The Omani air force has successfully evacuated 10 crew members from a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker following a strike in the vital Strait of Hormuz. According to the Omani Ministry of Defence, the On Peace tanker was hit nine nautical miles off the coastal city of Limah, triggering a severe fire onboard the vessel.

The injured crew members were rushed to the Khasab hospital in the Musandam governorate for urgent medical attention. India’s Ministry of External Affairs reported that 17 of the 19 crew members were Indian nationals, with at least 11 sustaining injuries during the attack. New Delhi reiterated its deep concern over the persistent shipping assaults in the region, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to ensure maritime stability.

This maritime security breakdown coincides with the ongoing conflict initiated by the US regime and the Israeli regime against Iran. Tehran has effectively closed the crucial waterway since late February, frequently targeting commercial vessels that bypass its designated routes and attempting to levy tolls for passage.

Despite the deteriorating security environment and multiple reported incidents involving regional tankers, Middle Eastern crude exports have reportedly rebounded to pre-war levels in recent weeks. However, global energy markets continue to struggle with elevated pricing pressures amid persistent geopolitical instability.

Source: www.aljazeera.com