New Delhi: It remains unclear whether peace will prevail between the US and Iran anytime soon. Tensions persist in the Strait of Hormuz, keeping the situation precarious. Today, an Indian commercial vessel was targeted in an attack along the Hormuz route; this was a deliberate strike. According to a Ministry of External Affairs report, the Panama-flagged oil tanker ‘MT On Fees’ was struck by a missile near the coast of Oman on Tuesday. Twelve crew members were injured in the attack, including 11 Indian sailors. India has strongly condemned the attack and expressed gratitude to the Omani government for its assistance.
Indian Government Condemns the Attack
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that the ongoing attacks on ships in the region are a matter of serious concern, as they pose a threat to human lives. The Indian government has called for an immediate halt to these incidents. In its statement, the Ministry emphasised that attacks on commercial vessels, sailors, and civilian infrastructure must cease, and that the movement of traffic and trade through international waterways should be restored promptly.
This attack comes amidst a rise in incidents targeting tankers in and around the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, at least seven tankers were attacked in the first week of October alone; these included Kuwait’s ‘MT Kazimah’ and Liberia’s ‘Lipsey’.
Indian Sailors Targeted Previously
It is worth noting that Indian sailors have fallen victim to such attacks in the past. In July, cruise missile attacks attributed to Iran targeted two UAE-linked tankers, ‘MT Mombasa’ and ‘MT Al-Bahiyah’, in Omani waters, causing damage to the vessels. One Indian sailor was killed, and 10 others were injured in this attack.
About 20 per cent of the world’s oil and LNG supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption here drives up oil prices, increases freight costs, and poses a threat to global energy security.
Ongoing Tensions Between the US and Iran
It is worth noting that tensions between the US and Iran remain high, with no middle ground in sight. Although both nations have sat at the negotiating table on several occasions, no resolution has been reached. The US President has repeatedly threatened Iran, yet neither side is willing to back down. Iran has also made it clear that it will absolutely not yield to unilateral conditions imposed by the US; if the US desires peace in the Middle East, it must also heed Iran’s position.
