Three Indian seafarers lost their lives after a US military strike targeted a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, the Indian government confirmed on Thursday. The incident, which occurred near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, has heightened tensions in the region amid escalating US-Iran hostilities.

Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced the deaths, expressing condolences to the families. The sailors were identified as coming from Himachal Pradesh, Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, according to the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI).

 Strike on Vessel Carrying Iranian Oil

The US Central Command stated that its forces conducted a "precision" strike on the vessel after it failed to heed instructions. Officials described the tanker as carrying oil from Iran, posing a potential threat in the tense waters. Initial reports indicated that communication with the ship was disrupted following the attack.

Of the 24 Indians reportedly on board, 21 have been rescued, with search and rescue operations continuing in coordination with Omani authorities. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation.

FSUI General Secretary Manoj Yadav earlier reported two sailors confirmed dead and the chief engineer missing. He questioned whether alternatives like detention could have been pursued, noting that authorities were aware of the multinational crew. By afternoon, the government confirmed all three missing Indians had perished.

 Iran Announces Closure of Strait of Hormuz

In a sharp response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until further notice. Any vessel approaching the waterway would be considered "cooperating with the enemy," the IRGC Navy warned. The announcement followed what Tehran described as repeated US violations of a fragile ceasefire.

The IRGC also claimed responsibility for firing 12 ballistic missiles at a US airbase in Jordan, targeting facilities and aircraft. These developments come after reports of fresh US strikes on Iranian military sites, including surveillance and air defence positions.

Local sources in Iran reported explosions in southern areas such as Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and near the Strait of Hormuz. A separate incident involved a small Iranian cargo dhow hit in the Sea of Oman, though its crew was rescued.

 Impact on Indian Seafarers and Shipping

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through India's maritime community, which supplies a significant portion of global seafaring manpower. Families of the deceased are being informed, and support measures are expected to follow.

India has voiced deep concern over attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf. Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy during a Security Council debate, highlighting New Delhi's stakes in regional stability.

 Oil Prices Surge Amid Disruptions

The closure threat to the Strait of Hormuz — through which a major chunk of global oil passes — triggered immediate market reactions. Brent crude rose over $2 per barrel, trading near $95, while WTI climbed similarly. Analysts warn of potential supply shocks if tensions persist.

Several other maritime incidents were reported near Oman, including a fire on a tanker off Sohar and an attack near Shinas, with Indian crew on board in one case. Regional airspaces, including in Kuwait and Bahrain, saw temporary disruptions due to missile and drone activity.

 Diplomatic and Regional Fallout

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned against the crisis widening, urging all parties to pursue political solutions. European leaders, including Italy's Giorgia Meloni, indicated readiness for fresh sanctions on Iran.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Jordan advised citizens to shelter in place amid aerial threats, and similar advisories were issued for Iraq.

The deaths of the Indian seafarers underscore the human cost of the rapidly deteriorating situation in West Asia. As efforts continue to locate any remaining crew and clarify details of the strike, maritime traffic in the area remains on edge.

Officials in India and Oman are working to repatriate the bodies and provide necessary assistance to affected families. The incident is likely to feature prominently in ongoing diplomatic engagements as major powers seek to prevent further escalation around the critical chokepoint of Hormuz.