Second Tanker Fire Reported Near Oman Amid Rising Regional Tensions

The Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed it is coordinating with local authorities to assess the status of the crew aboard the MT Jalveer. Simultaneously, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported an incident 21 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, where a tanker experienced an engine room fire. Officials currently report no environmental damage.

This disruption follows the Tuesday disablement of the Palau-flagged MT Settebello by U.S. Central Command. American forces fired precision munitions into the vessel’s engine room after it allegedly failed to comply with transit directions while attempting to breach a U.S. blockade. Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed the deaths of three Indian sailors on the Settebello, describing the event as a tragedy. The attack drew sharp criticism from International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, who labeled the endangerment of seafarers unacceptable.