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 Feb 28. Representational file image.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday (July 12, 2026) said that of the 11 Indians onboard the commercial vessel attacked off the coast of Oman, 10 have been rescued, while one still remains missing.
In a statement condemning the attack on commercial vessel GFS Galaxy, the MEA said India’s Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation. “We thank the Omani authorities for their support.”
West Asia war updates on July 12, 2026
The MEA went on to describe as “deeply worrisome”, the “continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region.”
“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,” it added.
The United States attacked Iran early Sunday morning over an Iranian strike on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz that set the container ship ablaze and forced its crew to abandon it.
Iran apparently responded with attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
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 Feb 28.
The latest violence followed Iran and Oman’s foreign ministers meeting on Saturday to discuss the strait, after days of Iranian attacks on ships and US retaliation that dealt a blow to the interim deal to end the war.
The narrow strait sits in both Iran and Oman’s territorial waters, but has long been considered an international waterway.
Oman said it and Iran agreed to continue discussing the Strait of Hormuz “at the technical and political levels”.
(With inputs from AP)
Published – July 12, 2026 01:29 pm IST
