Iran on Friday condemned the United States’ attacks on merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian nationals, describing the incidents as “armed robbery” and “state piracy.”Also Read: 3 Indians confirmed killed in US strike on tanker off Oman; 3rd vessel attackedEsmail Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased sailors and called on the international community to hold the United States accountable for the attacks.In a post on X, Baghaei wrote, “The brutal U.S. 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.”“The international community must hold the United States accountable for its lawless conduct, which continues to threaten global peace and security while endangering the freedom of navigation,” he added.The remarks came after three merchant vessels with Indian crew members came under attack by the US Navy off the coast of Oman over the past four days. Palau-flagged oil tankers Marivex and Settebello were attacked on June 8 and June 10, respectively, while the Guinea-Bissau-flagged bitumen tanker MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian crew members, was targeted on Thursday.The three Indian sailors who lost their lives were crew members of MT Settebello. They were identified as Aditya Sharma, Suresh Patnala and Shivanand Chaurasiya.The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, said the vessels were targeted while attempting to breach a US-enforced naval blockade of Iran.Washington has imposed the blockade in response to Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil supply passes.Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz in early March following US and Israeli strikes across the Islamic Republic on February 28, an escalation that sparked the broader regional conflict.Active hostilities were paused on April 8 under a ceasefire arrangement, which was subsequently extended indefinitely. However, the truce has remained largely ineffective, as attacks have continued despite the pause in fighting.
