The foreign ministry summoned Mohammad Javad Hosseini to lodge a ‘strong protest’ against the Iranian attacks on oil tankers passing through the critical waterway close to Oman. It remains unclear what was conveyed to the Iranian diplomat, but the meeting has concluded.
According to the report, two tankers — Mombasa and Al Bahiyah — were struck while transiting the southern passage of the Strait through which one-fifth of the global oil passes in peacetime. The attack killed an Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa and injured eight others, including four seriously wounded. The injured comprise six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals.
What India Said
Later, in a statement, the foreign ministry said New Delhi was concerned by the attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
“We strongly condemn these attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. We also reiterate our deep concern on account of the resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities in the Middle East region and call for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security, and stability in the region,” the ministry said.
“In particular, the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must cease in order that free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, can be restored at the earliest,” it added.
Amid the West Asia conflict, 11 Indian nationals have lost their lives. Several seafarers have been rescued as ships and tankers have come under attack in the conflict. Last month, three Indian sailors were killed in a US strike on a Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello.
What UAE Said On Attacks
The UAE Ministry of Defence, in a statement, said the attack also caused material damage to both tankers after fires broke out on board. The fires have since been brought under control. The ministry called the attack a serious violation of international law that threatens regional security and stability.
“The UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, its citizens, and residents,” it said.
The ministry further said it remains on the “highest level of readiness and preparedness” to address any threats.
The US launched strikes on Iran early on Tuesday after President Donald Trump said Washington is “reinstating” a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and suggested that it will charge other ships for safe passage. Iran responded with attacks targeting Bahrain, Jordan, and the two tankers associated with the UAE.
