On June 8, 2026, the US military conducted a missile strike on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian sailors. The incident occurred amid rising tensions in the region, with the US accusing the vessel of violating a blockade on Iranian ports. Following the attack, India's Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that the bodies of the deceased sailors had been located and identified. The attack has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of commercial shipping in the Gulf region, particularly for vessels with Indian crews. The MT Settebello was carrying 24 Indian crew members at the time of the strike, with 21 successfully rescued by Omani authorities. The US Central Command stated that the strike was a response to the crew's failure to comply with directives from American forces. This incident marked the second attack on a merchant vessel with predominantly Indian crew members within a week, as another tanker, the MT Marivex, was also targeted by US forces shortly before the Settebello incident. In response to the attack, India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior US diplomat to lodge a strong protest. The Indian government expressed deep concern over the ongoing attacks on commercial shipping in the region, calling for immediate de-escalation of tensions. The Indian Foreign Ministry highlighted the need for restraint and prioritization of civilian safety amidst the escalating military confrontations between the US and Iran. The deaths of the three sailors have prompted calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Families of the deceased have expressed their grief and demanded accountability for the incident. The situation underscores the precarious nature of maritime operations in the Gulf of Oman, where geopolitical tensions continue to pose significant risks to commercial shipping and the safety of seafarers.