Delhi, 11 June (H.S.): Slug: MIDEAST-US-IRAN-CONFLICT-INDIAN-SEAFARERS

Headline:

MUSCAT (Oman)/TEHRAN (Iran)/WASHINGTON (United States)/NEW DELHI (India), 11June (H.S.): Amid escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran, India received troubling news from Oman on Thursday after an attack on a commercial vessel was confirmed by the Indian government. The vessel was carrying 20 Indian seafarers. However, all crew members have been reported safe.

Meanwhile, Iran reportedly launched a barrage of drones and missiles in response to American strikes, sending shockwaves across Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan and further intensifying tensions throughout the Middle East. China has appealed to all parties to step back from military confrontation. Iran has also claimed that it has completely closed the Strait of Hormuz.

According to reports by Times of Oman, Al Jazeera, Gulf News, CBS News, and CNN, India has urged the United States to prevent further attacks on commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf region. The appeal comes after an earlier maritime incident in which three Indian nationals lost their lives. Expressing serious concern, India called upon Washington to ensure the safety of vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India had lodged a strong protest with the American side following the attack on the vessel MT Setebelo. Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Asim Mahajan stated that another commercial vessel, MT Jalveer, was also attacked near the Omani coast on Thursday. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel had 20 Indian crew members on board, all of whom have been reported safe.

The Indian Embassy in Oman stated that it is closely monitoring the incident involving the vessel near Shinas Port in northern Oman and is coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety of the crew. The embassy confirmed that all crew members aboard MT Jalveer had been safely evacuated with the assistance of the Royal Navy of Oman. Shinas Port, located in Oman’s North Al Batinah Governorate, is a key hub for the country’s maritime trade.

Commenting on the ongoing conflict, an Iranian official said that the war would continue until the United States respects Iran’s interests. Senior official Mohammad Mokhber stated that any future American attack would be met with an even stronger and more forceful response from Iran. He added that the ultimate outcome of the conflict would depend on Washington’s actions. Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. strikes, declaring that they had rendered any ceasefire meaningless. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly launched coordinated attacks targeting Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.

The U.S. military has also continued airstrikes on Iranian territory. Areas reportedly targeted include the port city of Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and southern cities such as Sirik, Minab, and Karaj, west of Tehran.

According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, Iranian authorities have ordered the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships. China has intervened diplomatically, calling for an immediate halt to military operations across the Middle East.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters, “China strongly urges all relevant parties to immediately cease military operations, return to dialogue and consultations, respond positively to mediation efforts by concerned countries, and reach a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible.”

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had launched another round of strikes against Iranian targets. Earlier on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said that Tehran had taken too long to negotiate a deal and would have to face the consequences.

Jordan’s military stated that it had attempted to intercept 20 Iranian missiles heading toward an area housing a U.S. military base.

Amid the growing threat of a wider regional war, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that its leadership remains engaged in mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict between the United States and Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi told journalists, “It is difficult to remain optimistic in this new phase of hostility. However, we have not lost hope and continue our efforts.”

In Bahrain, reports indicated that an 11-year-old girl suffered minor injuries after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone fell in a residential area. According to Bahrain’s Interior Ministry, falling wreckage from intercepted drones damaged homes in Hamad Town and Manama and caused vehicles to catch fire.

Saudi Arabia has also called for renewed diplomatic engagement to end the conflict. Backing mediation efforts led by Pakistan and Qatar, Riyadh urged all parties to return to negotiations. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia condemned the reported Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait and called for restraint to prevent further escalation across the Middle East.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomatic solutions to restore peace and stability in the region as fears of a broader regional conflict continue to mount.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar