Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - The West Asia conflict has reached a grim new milestone as all three missing Indian seafarers were confirmed dead after a U.S. precision strike on the Palau flagged oil tanker MT Settebello off Oman's coast. This marks the third attack on vessels with Indian crew in just four days, while Iran's military headquarters announced the full closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a claim the U.S. Central Command firmly denies.

The U.S. military carried out a "precision" strike on Wednesday in the Gulf of Oman, firing munitions into the Settebello's engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with American forces' directions. The tanker, carrying oil from Iran, was targeted as part of Washington's blockade of Iran related shipping that began April 13. Out of 24 Indian crew members aboard, 21 were rescued, but three sailors initially listed as missing were later found dead. Among them was Shivanand Chaurasia from Surauli village in Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the deaths after the bodies were found and identified.

India summoned the U.S. deputy chief of mission and lodged a "strong protest" over the strike, with the foreign ministry condemning the "attack on the commercial vessel." The embassy in Oman is coordinating with Omani authorities in search and rescue operations. Meanwhile, Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters announced early Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz is "closed to all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships," declaring that any vessel attempting transit will be targeted. However, U.S. Central Command disputes this claim, stating the strait remains open.

This deadly escalation highlights the growing risks faced by Indian seafarers in West Asia's volatile waters, with three separate attacks on ships with Indian crew occurring within a single week. As oil pricesjump over 2% following Iran's closure announcement, the conflict threatens to disrupt one of the world's most critical oil and gas routing channels, with global implications for energy security and maritime safety