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Iran condemns US attack on commercial vessel that killed three Indian sailors
Iran has condemned the US attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman that killed three Indian sailors.
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IANS - Fri, 12, Jun 2026
- 04:25 EDT
- 41
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei speaks during a press briefing in Tehran / IANS
Iran on Friday condemned the US attack on a commercial vessel carrying Indian crew members that resulted in the deaths of three Indian nationals, calling it "clear evidence of America's ongoing policy of armed robbery and state piracy."
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei offered condolences to the families of the deceased sailors and urged the international community to hold the United States accountable for its "lawless conduct."
"The brutal US attacks on Indian commercial vessels, which have killed at least three Indian nationals, stand as clear evidence of America’s ongoing policy of armed robbery and state piracy. We extend our sympathies to the families and friends of the slain Indian sailors and offer our sincere condolences to the Indian people and government," Baqaei posted on X.
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"The international community must hold the United States accountable for its lawless conduct, which continues to threaten global peace and security while endangering freedom of navigation," he added.
Iran's statement came after a commercial vessel, Settebello, was attacked off the coast of Oman on Wednesday. Of the 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 were rescued while three were killed.
Meanwhile, India said on Thursday that it had lodged a "strong protest" with the American side, expressing its concerns over attacks by the US Navy on vessels carrying Indian seafarers in West Asia in recent days.
Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on developments in West Asia in New Delhi on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called for an end to such attacks and said India attaches great importance to the welfare and well-being of Indian seafarers.
"There have been several incidents involving Indian seafarers in West Asia in the last few days. We attach high importance to the welfare and well-being of our seafarers' community. Yesterday, we condemned the attack on a ship off the coast of Oman in which, unfortunately, we lost three Indian nationals. We summoned the US charge d'affaires to register a strong protest," Jaiswal said.
"The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. These attacks must cease. We also call for dialogue and diplomacy so that we can have an early return to peace and stability in the region," he added.
Jaiswal said India remains in touch with its seafaring community in the Persian Gulf and across West Asia through its embassies and the Ministry of Shipping to ensure their welfare and safety.
He also noted that the three vessels involved in the incidents were foreign-flagged, two registered in Palau and one in Guinea, and were not Indian-owned ships.
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