India on Tuesday strongly condemned the attacks on two UAE-flagged commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz after one Indian sailor was killed and several others were injured, as military tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply across the Gulf region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the two vessels — MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa — were carrying a total of 30 Indian seafarers among their combined crew when they came under attack while transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

According to the MEA, one Indian crew member aboard MT Al Bahiyah lost his life, while another sustained injuries. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian sailors were injured, including two who are reported to be in serious condition.

In response to the incident, the MEA summoned Iran's Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi and lodged a strong diplomatic protest. India urged an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping and called for the restoration of safe, uninterrupted navigation through international maritime routes in accordance with international law.

India Raises Maritime Security Concerns

The government reiterated that the safety of Indian seafarers remains a top priority and stressed that commercial vessels and civilian maritime infrastructure must not become targets during military conflicts.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said India is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving security situation in West Asia. He noted that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently discussed regional developments, energy security, trade and investment with leaders of Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman during his Gulf visit.

India maintained that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is essential for global energy supplies, international trade and regional stability.

Iran Claims Attack On US Military Assets

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes targeting the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

The IRGC alleged that the operation damaged multiple military installations, including fuel storage facilities, air defence systems, radar infrastructure, command centres and unmanned surface vessel control facilities. Iranian authorities described the strikes as part of an ongoing retaliatory military campaign.

The claims have not been independently verified.

US Expands Military Operations

The United States also intensified its military campaign, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirming that American forces carried out a third consecutive night of airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure.

US officials said the objective was to degrade Iran's military capabilities and reduce its ability to threaten civilian shipping and regional security.

The strikes reportedly targeted several locations across Iran, including areas near Abadan, Mahshahr and Bushehr. Iranian media also reported explosions near Bandar Abbas and other southern locations.

US President Donald Trump has additionally announced that the US Navy will resume enforcing a maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports while allowing compliant commercial shipping to continue navigating regional sea lanes.

Regional Tensions Continue To Rise

The latest developments have further heightened tensions across West Asia, with multiple countries expressing concern over the growing conflict.

The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, New Zealand and several other nations condemned recent attacks affecting regional maritime security, while China called for the immediate restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Shipping companies have also raised concerns over increasing risks to commercial vessels operating in one of the world's busiest energy corridors.

As military operations continue, diplomatic efforts are also underway to prevent further escalation, with several regional governments urging restraint and renewed dialogue to safeguard international trade routes and regional stability.