At least one Indian crew member is missing, and 10 have been rescued after Iran targeted a container ship off the Oman coast in the Strait of Hormuz early
Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has informed. The situation unfolded after Iran fired on a Cyprus-flagged container ship -- GFS Galaxy -- with Indian crew onboard, triggering fresh escalation in the region. Iran said that the Cyprus-flagged vessel was targeted as it was not following the route approved by them. They said first warning shots were fired, however, they escalated the matter as the ship continued to sail on the path not approved by Tehran. Apprising the matter, the MEA said that there was Indian crew onboard. A total of 11 Indian nationals were present on the ship, out of which 10 have been rescued, and one is missing. The MEA called the Middle East situation "Extremely Worrisome" and said that the targeting of commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure in the region must end. "Of the 11 Indian nationals on board, 10 have been rescued so far, while 1 Indian National is reportedly missing... The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest," the MEA said. Following the target of yet another vessel, the US launched its third wave of intense strikes inside Iran in the wee hours on Sunday, targeting as many as 140 locations. The strait has become the key sticking point in any further negotiations between Iran and the United States to reach a permanent end to the war that began on February 28. About a fifth of all traded oil and natural gas passed through the strait before the war began. Iran’s grip on it during the war led to a global energy crisis, though oil prices have sharply dropped since wartime highs of $120 a barrel.
Iran Targets US-based Facilities in Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain
After US' strikes, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles aimed at American bases and facilities in the Middle East region. Iran missiles struck Jordon, Bahrain, Qatar and other regions, putting the region once again under a high alert.
US Questions Who Is In Charge in Iran
US officials on condition of anonymity about the current situation with Iran, said the resumption of strikes even before the latest round came as a result of what they described as a rogue faction of Iranian hard-liners who were trying to sabotage the ceasefire.
Iran Says Theocracy Unified Under New Supreme Leader
After the US wrapped up strikes on Thursday, more attacks reportedly hit Iran, raising questions about who else may be targeting the Islamic Republic.
Israel didn’t claim them, meaning the Gulf Arab states may have launched them, likely as a means to deter Iran from attacking them again. Iran on Thursday retaliated for US strikes by targeting Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar.
The strikes in Iran over two rounds of strikes last week killed at least 17 people and wounded 115 others, Iranian Health Ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour said.
With inputs from AP
