New Delhi, June 12: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Ismail Baghaei, has made serious allegations against the United States regarding attacks on Indian commercial vessels. Expressing sorrow over the deaths of Indian sailors, he labeled these incidents as violations of international law and maritime security.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, Baghaei stated, “The brutal attacks by the United States on Indian commercial vessels, resulting in the deaths of three Indian nationals, clearly demonstrate that the current US policy resembles armed piracy and state-sponsored maritime robbery. We extend our condolences to the families and friends of the deceased Indian sailors and express deep sympathy to the Indian people and government.”
Baghaei further urged the international community to hold the US accountable for its unlawful actions, which continuously threaten global peace and security and jeopardize the freedom of maritime routes.
American forces recently neutralized another tanker attempting to transport Iranian oil. The US Central Command reported that the Palauan-flagged tanker M/T Settabello was targeted after its crew repeatedly ignored instructions from US forces while passing through the Gulf of Oman.
In this incident, 21 of the 24 crew members were safely rescued, while three were reported missing. On Thursday, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the deaths of the three missing Indian sailors following the M/T Settabello oil tanker incident.
The minister expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic incident involving the Palauan-flagged M/T Settabello. It is unfortunate that after the bodies of the initially reported missing Indian sailors were found and identified, their deaths have now been confirmed.”
He has directed officials to ensure the safe return of the rescued Indian sailors to India as soon as possible. Additionally, he emphasized that the bodies of the deceased sailors should be repatriated swiftly to allow their families to conduct last rites.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that they summoned the Deputy Chief of the US Embassy in New Delhi, Jason Meeks, to register their strong protest regarding this incident.
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