U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on June 10 that it neutralized a vessel attempting to transport oil from Iran at 11:14 p.m. local time on June 9. The tanker, identified as the Setebelo, reportedly ignored multiple warnings from U.S. forces, prompting a precision strike on its engine room.
CENTCOM also noted that on June 8, it had previously neutralized another Palauan-flagged vessel, the Marivex, heading toward Iran.
Since the start of the maritime blockade against Iran on April 13, U.S. forces have neutralized eight vessels that did not comply with the blockade orders and turned back 134 ships, while allowing 42 humanitarian aid vessels to pass.
According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, 24 Indian crew members were aboard the Setebelo, with 21 rescued and three reported missing.
The Indian government summoned Jason Mix, the U.S. chargé d'affaires in India, to express its concerns. In a statement, the Ministry did not directly name the U.S. but expressed serious concern over the ongoing attacks on vessels in the region, calling for immediate de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution to restore peace and stability.
The Ministry emphasized that attacks targeting commercial vessels and civilian facilities must cease and urged for the restoration of freedom of navigation and trade through international waters in accordance with international law.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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