US Sanctions India-Based Couple And Linked Firms Over Alleged Support For Iran’s Shadow Oil Fleet

The United States has imposed sanctions on an India-based couple and a network of associated companies, accusing them of helping Iran’s shadow oil fleet evade international restrictions through fraudulent maritime registrations and certifications.

According to the US Department of the Treasury, Suniel Kumar Sharma and his spouse, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, allegedly operated an extensive maritime fraud network that provided false flags, registrations and certifications to vessels involved in transporting Iranian petroleum. Washington claims some of the vessels supported Iran’s military and affiliated proxy groups.

Announcing the measures, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a stark warning to individuals and organisations continuing to assist Tehran. “As we have said many times, under Operation Economic Outcast, you are either with us or against us. We know where you are, and we will sanction those who continue supporting the Iranian regime, whether by land, sea, or air.”

US authorities allege that Sharma and Shahid established fraudulent maritime registries and classification societies by creating websites that falsely claimed to act on behalf of various countries without official authorisation. The Treasury said the scheme enabled sanctioned vessels carrying Iranian oil to conceal their identities and continue operating despite international restrictions.

The alleged activities reportedly date back to at least 2014, when the couple was accused of attempting to impersonate the maritime flagging authority of Dominica. US officials further claim that, over more than a decade, companies linked to the network presented themselves as legitimate maritime service providers for multiple jurisdictions across different regions of the world, despite many governments reportedly distancing themselves from such operations.

Among the entities sanctioned are Oceaniek Technologies India, Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited, Precept Trends Private Limited, Polynesia Maritime Private Limited, Alexarya Finserv Private Limited, Alexarya Media and Entertainment Private Limited, Viharaboating Private Limited and Aryavart Maritime and Educational Trust.

The latest measures were imposed under Executive Order 13902, which targets key sectors of the Iranian economy, including petroleum, petrochemicals and aviation. The action forms part of Operation Economic Outcast, launched by Bessent on 24 August 2026, with the stated objective of disrupting Iran’s economic lifelines, oil-smuggling networks, sanctions-evasion mechanisms and related financial channels.

In a parallel move, the US also sanctioned Türkiye-based Fugo Ground Services Inc, alleging that it continued providing ground-handling and related services to several already-designated Iranian carriers, including Iran Air Tour, Saha Airlines, Sepehran Airlines, Varesh Airlines, Taban Airlines and Ata Airlines Company despite repeated American warnings.

Alongside the sanctions, the Treasury issued a fresh advisory to the global maritime industry, warning companies about the risks of dealing with falsely flagged vessels. US officials said such ships can bypass regulations designed to protect crew welfare and the environment, while also operating without valid protection and indemnity insurance, potentially exposing coastal states to significant financial and environmental risks.

Under the sanctions, any property or financial interests of the designated individuals and entities that fall within US jurisdiction will be blocked.

In addition, most transactions involving them will be prohibited unless specifically authorised or exempted. The Treasury warned that breaches of these restrictions could result in civil or criminal penalties for both US and foreign persons.

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'Global Maritime Security Under Strain Amid Trade Disruptions And Navigation Challenges, Says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh'

The global maritime security environment is facing increasing pressure from deliberate disruptions to international trade, challenges to freedom of navigation and the weaponisation of strategically important maritime chokepoints, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said while addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi.

Speaking at the annual forum on maritime security and regional cooperation, Singh warned that rising instability across the world's oceans is beginning to affect the wider international order. He said certain nations and actors are attempting to exploit the strategic significance of the seas for narrow unilateral advantages, undermining the collective benefits that maritime domains provide to all countries.

Highlighting the central role oceans play in modern life, Singh noted that despite the rapid growth of digital connectivity, the world's dependence on maritime infrastructure remains profound.

He pointed out that more than 95 per cent of global digital traffic is transmitted through fibre-optic cables laid on the ocean floor, making secure and stable seas essential not only for trade but also for global communications.

He stressed that economies around the world continue to rely heavily on maritime routes for the movement of goods and commodities. Factories, farms and urban centres remain dependent on uninterrupted shipping networks, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding international sea lanes.

“Our factories, farms, and the cities continue to depend upon physical flows of the community across the water,” Singh said.

The Defence Minister also underscored the broader significance of the oceans beyond commerce and connectivity. He observed that seas sustain coastal fisheries, play a critical role in regulating the planet's climate systems and contain resources that will be vital for future industrial development and technological advancement.

According to Singh, the international community is fully aware of these shared maritime dependencies. However, he argued that some countries continue to pursue policies designed to leverage control over critical maritime spaces for strategic gain, thereby restricting access to benefits that should remain available to all nations.

“Certain actors and nations seek to exploit the criticality of the oceans for narrow unilateral gain; by pursuing selfish leverage, they seek to deny the shared benefits of the sea to humankind,” he said.

Reiterating his concerns, Singh stated that deliberate trade disruptions, blatant challenges to freedom of navigation and the weaponisation of narrow maritime passages are creating serious pressures on global maritime security.

“Today, the global maritime security environment is strained by deliberate trade disruptions. We see blatant challenges for the freedom of navigation and the weaponisation of the narrow maritime passages. This growing instability in the maritime domain casts a long shadow over the broader international order,” he added.

His remarks come at a time when maritime security has become an increasingly important issue in the Indo-Pacific, a region that hosts some of the world's busiest sea lanes and carries a substantial share of global trade.

The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue continues to serve as a key platform for discussions on maritime security, regional collaboration and emerging challenges affecting stability, connectivity and prosperity across the region.

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'War Cost Us The Midterms': Vance Blames Iran Conflict For Republican Defeat, Urges America First Reset

US Vice President JD Vance has openly attributed the Republican Party’s sweeping defeat in the 2026 midterm elections to the war with Iran, arguing that voter anger over the conflict outweighed concerns about turnout and became the decisive factor behind the party’s losses.

Reflecting on the election results, Vance said internal Republican analysis had initially provided reasons for optimism. Campaign data suggested that conservative voters were turning out in strong numbers across much of the country, despite polling that pointed to a significant Democratic advantage.

In several states, turnout was described as solid, while in others it exceeded expectations, reinforcing a belief within Republican circles that the party remained highly motivated.

However, Vance said party analysts repeatedly warned that turnout was not the central issue. According to him, the data indicated that a substantial number of voters who supported the Trump-Vance ticket in the 2024 presidential election intended to back Democratic candidates in 2026.

Recalling a conversation with a senior data strategist, Vance wrote: “No. We might do better than the polls suggest. But the data is telling us that a lot of Trump/Vance 2024 voters are pissed and planning to vote for the other guys. Our voters are turning out, but they may not vote for us.”

He stressed that “The main problem is not turnout,” adding, “The main problem is that many people who voted for Trump/Vance in 2024 voted for Democrats in 2026.”

Rejecting arguments that the defeat stemmed primarily from economic messaging failures, Vance argued that foreign policy concerns proved far more damaging politically. He said the conflict with Iran fundamentally altered voter attitudes and became the dominant issue influencing former Republican supporters.

“The real reason we lost is obvious to almost everyone... The reason we lost is the war. The president himself said so last night,” Vance stated.

The Vice President revealed that polling conducted among former Republican voters identified four key demands that could potentially win them back: ending the war, focusing on the cost of living and inflation, putting America First, and changing the United States’ relationship with Israel.

According to Vance, these concerns accounted for the overwhelming majority of responses from voters who had abandoned the Republican Party. He noted that one respected pollster had projected Republicans would lose the generic congressional ballot by as many as 13 points, a forecast that ultimately reflected the depth of voter dissatisfaction.

Vance also pointed to Florida as evidence that turnout alone could not explain the election outcome. He noted that the state’s electorate remained significantly more Republican than Democratic, only slightly weaker than in 2024, yet the party still struggled because some traditional Republican voters crossed party lines in protest against the administration’s foreign policy decisions.

Defending critics within conservative circles who had advocated a negotiated settlement to the conflict, Vance argued that their assessment of public opinion proved accurate. He specifically cited commentator Rachel Campos-Duffy, saying attacks directed at her calls for a diplomatic resolution were misplaced because her political judgement aligned closely with voter sentiment.

Looking ahead, Vance warned against what he described as attempts by establishment figures to reinterpret the reasons behind the defeat. In particular, he rejected suggestions that immigration amnesty could help the party recover politically, claiming that such proposals misdiagnose the causes of voter discontent.

“If you'd like to argue it was worth it, that losing the Senate for the next 6 years was worth it, then do so. Argue it was a worthwhile cost to pay. Agree or disagree, that's at least honest. But everyone knows why we lost,” he wrote.

Addressing disappointed supporters directly, Vance acknowledged that many critics had predicted the political consequences of the Iran conflict in advance. “To the people who are pissed off and want to say, ‘I told you so’: you’re right, you did tell us so,” he said, urging conservatives to channel their frustration into electing future Republican candidates who share an America First agenda.

His remarks followed comments from President Donald Trump, who also conceded that the war played a role in the party’s disappointing electoral performance. In a telephone interview, Trump acknowledged that “Iran was a piece of it” when discussing the Republicans’ poor showing, while maintaining that he continued to support his decision to launch the military campaign earlier in the year.

The Republican setback comes amid a wider Democratic resurgence in the 2026 midterm elections. Major United States television networks projected that Democrats would regain control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, dramatically reshaping the political balance in Washington.

Control of the House would enable Democrats to intensify oversight of the Trump administration through investigations and committee hearings, while a Senate majority would strengthen the party’s influence over legislation and presidential nominations, potentially complicating the administration’s agenda during the remainder of Trump’s term.

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Iran Reaffirms Free Passage For Indian Shipping Vessels Through Strait of Hormuz

Iran has reaffirmed that Indian shipping vessels remain exempt from the transit restrictions it has imposed in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the importance of its commercial relationship with New Delhi amid escalating regional tensions.

Speaking during a parliamentary review of economic and security developments, Ahmad Hayat-Moghaddam, Vice Chairman of Iran’s Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stated that India is among four countries granted exemptions from the restrictions.

China, Iraq and Qatar have also been afforded the same status, allowing their vessels to move through the strategically significant waterway without limitations from Tehran’s perspective.

Hayat-Moghaddam emphasised that the exemptions reflect Iran’s economic and political interests. He explained that India had been granted favourable treatment to facilitate the import of medicines into Iran, while China’s exemption was linked to both political backing and economic considerations.

“Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we have already 'pardoned' four countries. Right now, India, China, Iraq, and Qatar. They are free, meaning they are free from our point of view. The Americans also have no issues with them.

They go back and forth through the Strait of Hormuz. Well, we are doing business, right? We have done this for the Indians so that we can import medicine, so we can import medicine. We have done this for the Chinese so that we can have political support from them, although we also take money from them. We also take money, I mean, we take their money.”

The remarks come against the backdrop of growing concerns over security in the Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a substantial share of global energy shipments and serving as a vital route for international trade between the Gulf and global markets.

At the same time, senior Iranian political leaders are pressing the country’s military establishment to consider a diplomatic path amid mounting fears of a renewed confrontation with the United States. Internal assessments in Tehran reportedly suggest that a direct conflict with Washington is increasingly viewed as the most likely future scenario.

Despite those assessments, influential political figures have intervened in an effort to prevent further escalation. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have strongly encouraged military leaders to respond constructively to a proposal presented through Qatari mediation aimed at ending the conflict.

According to reports, Qatari envoys recently travelled to Tehran with a narrowly defined mission. Rather than engaging in extended negotiations, they were tasked with securing Iran’s official and final position on the proposed framework.

While Iran’s political leadership continues to advocate diplomatic engagement and dialogue, many military strategists reportedly remain deeply sceptical about the prospects for lasting peace.

They continue to regard a return to direct confrontation with American forces as the most probable trajectory, highlighting the sharp divergence between political efforts to de-escalate tensions and military expectations of future conflict.

The developments illustrate the delicate balance Tehran is seeking to maintain between safeguarding key economic partnerships, preserving vital trade routes and navigating an increasingly volatile regional security environment.

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Trump May Launch Nuclear Strike On Iran Within Days, Tucker Carlson Warns

Conservative broadcaster Tucker Carlson has warned that US President Donald Trump could order strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure within days, claiming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressuring Washington to resume military action against Tehran.

Carlson, who was once an ally of Trump but has since become a critic, wrote on X that Netanyahu has been urging the US President to restart the US-Israeli campaign against Iran. According to Carlson, a potential target is the deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain facility near Natanz.

He argued that Netanyahu's political future has become increasingly uncertain following last week's election results, claiming that the Israeli leader's survival depends on a renewed conflict and direct American involvement.

The United States has already carried out attacks against Iranian nuclear sites at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. However, Pickaxe Mountain has not been targeted. The facility is considered particularly difficult to strike because it is buried deeper than Fordow and protected by at least 100 metres of rocky mountain.

Trump has previously indicated that military action against the site remained a possibility. Nevertheless, he has publicly ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran.

"I wouldn't use nuclear. We don't have to. We're the greatest nuclear power in the world," Trump said earlier this month.

Carlson nevertheless claimed that Netanyahu's allies within the US administration are encouraging a harder approach towards Iran. He specifically named Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as figures he believes support stronger military action.

"No conventional weapon in the American arsenal can penetrate 300 feet of solid granite to destroy the tunnels where enrichment is supposedly taking place. The only military option is a nuclear strike. Netanyahu has been pushing hard for one. 'Bibi calls Trump about it every day,' says an informed observer," Carlson stated.

Despite those claims, some military specialists maintain that conventional weapons could still be used against the underground complex. Underground warfare expert Daphne Richemond Barak has argued that a carefully coordinated bombing campaign could potentially penetrate even heavily fortified mountain facilities.

She pointed to the method used by Israel during its 2024 operation against a Hezbollah underground position in Beirut, where multiple strikes were delivered in rapid succession to break through reinforced structures.

"Israel launched missiles on top of each other. It was like hammering a nail repeatedly into the earth until it would break through the concrete and reinforced covering. To reach the spot where Nasrallah was in Beirut, Israel hammered in 80 tons of explosives within 10 seconds," Barak explained.

Applying a similar tactic to Pickaxe Mountain would likely require numerous heavy bunker-buster bombs to be dropped with extraordinary precision, one after another, in order to fracture the mountain, breach its protective layers and reach the facility far below the surface.

Military analysts note that such an operation would be extremely challenging because of the site's depth and geological protection. Each bunker-buster bomb weighs approximately 14 tons, meaning a successful strike could require a significant concentration of firepower delivered over a very short period.

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'They Don't Need It': Trump To End US $4 Billion Annual Aid To Israel As Golan Warns of Security Fallout

US President Donald Trump has announced that Washington will end roughly $4 billion in annual assistance to Israel by the end of 2026, arguing that the country has become sufficiently prosperous to fund its own defence requirements and purchase military equipment without relying on American support.

Speaking during an interview with Fox News, Trump said the long-running financial assistance arrangement would come to an end this year.

“We were giving them $4 billion -- we are --, but it gets cut off at the end of the year,” Trump stated.

Explaining the decision, Trump argued that Israel no longer requires direct American funding, describing the country as economically strong and capable of sustaining its own military needs.

“They don't need it,” Trump said, adding, “Israel is a very thriving country.”

The announcement marks a potentially significant shift in US-Israel relations, although Washington is expected to continue military sales to Israel even after the financial assistance is halted. Trump also indicated that the issue had been discussed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over an extended period.

The move comes despite the current US-Israel security assistance framework, established under a long-term memorandum of understanding that provides approximately USD 3.8 billion annually through 2028. The future implementation of Trump's proposal could face political and legislative scrutiny given the existing agreement.

Reacting sharply to the announcement, Israeli Democratic Party Chairman Yair Golan accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of presiding over another major strategic failure at a time when Israel's military spending remains elevated following an extended period of conflict.

In a post on X, Golan said, “Precisely at a time when Israel's defence expenditures have reached enormous proportions, when Israel needs to replenish its offensive weapons stockpiles, and when its air defence capabilities have eroded after such a prolonged war - Netanyahu chalks up yet another colossal failure on his record.”

Golan warned that the withdrawal of American assistance would place additional pressure on Israel's finances and security establishment.

“The halt in American aid is a severe blow to Israel's security and to the quality of life in the country, because funding security needs at such a critical juncture will fall solely on the Israeli public,” he said.

Escalating his criticism, Golan argued that a responsible government would seek to secure greater American backing rather than allow it to be reduced.

“A responsible prime minister would fight to increase American aid, not dismantle it. Netanyahu is deepening the security and economic crisis and endangering Israel's future,” he added.

The development comes as Israel continues to address heightened security challenges following a prolonged regional conflict and amid ongoing debate over the country's long-term military and economic dependence on the United States.

Netanyahu has previously indicated that he would like Israel to gradually reduce its reliance on American military assistance over the coming decade, reflecting a broader push towards greater strategic self-sufficiency.

The announcement also arrives during a politically sensitive period. Reports indicate that Netanyahu recently urged Trump to consider renewed military action against Iran after the US midterm elections, amid Israeli concerns that Washington remains committed to pursuing diplomatic engagement with Tehran.

At the same time, Israel's domestic political landscape remains in flux. Leaders of the opposition's “Change and Repair” bloc have united behind former military chief Gadi Eisenkot as their preferred candidate for prime minister, agreeing to recommend him to President Isaac Herzog in an effort to facilitate the formation of Israel's 38th government and accelerate a transfer of power.

Trump's decision has therefore added a new layer of uncertainty to both US-Israel relations and Israel's increasingly contested political environment, with supporters viewing the move as recognition of Israel's economic strength and critics warning of serious consequences for the country's security posture and public finances.

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West Asia Conflict Claims 23 Indian Lives As MEA Reports Maritime Casualties And Missing Nationals

Indian Navy sailors rescuing Indian seamen during a rescue operation

India has lost 23 nationals amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, with 15 of those fatalities involving Indian seafarers, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The figures were disclosed by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during the ministry's bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi.

Jaiswal also provided details on Indian casualties linked to attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region. He said that five Indian nationals had been killed in such incidents, while two others remain missing.

The update highlights the growing human cost of regional instability for Indian citizens, particularly those employed in the maritime sector. Indian seafarers continue to operate on commercial vessels passing through areas affected by conflict, heightened security risks and disruptions to international shipping routes.

The MEA's remarks came as India renewed its appeal for dialogue and diplomacy to ease tensions in West Asia and restore the safety of maritime navigation. The call followed the death of an Indian crew member after an attack on a commercial vessel operating off the coast of Oman.

The deceased seafarer was identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat. He was among 14 Indian crew members aboard the Indian-flagged vessel MSV AL JUSUFI when the incident occurred near Limah, Oman.

Providing an update on the crew, Jaiswal said the government was working to ensure the swift return of the surviving sailors to India. “On that ship, we had 14 Indian crew members. Of them, tragically, unfortunately, one of them has died. We are now in the process of ensuring that the 13 Indian nationals who are there are repatriated back to India. We also are working when we can have the mortal remains of the Indian national to be transported back to India.”

He also expressed appreciation for the response of the Omani authorities, stating, “I must say that we thank the Omani authorities for their swift action.”

Reiterating India's position on the regional crisis, Jaiswal stressed the need for an immediate reduction in tensions and a diplomatic resolution. “We once again call upon parties to take dialogue and diplomacy forward so that there can be an early return of peace to the region, and that freedom of navigation through international waters and waterways must be restored and must be guaranteed.”

Earlier in the day, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the death of the Indian seafarer in the attack near the Omani coast.

The latest incident adds to a series of attacks involving commercial vessels and maritime personnel in the Persian Gulf and the wider West Asian region, where ongoing hostilities have intensified risks to international shipping and the movement of seafarers.

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India, Israel Oppose Pakistan-Belarus UN Arms Control Resolution, Cite Broader Security Concerns

India and Israel were the only two countries to vote against a Pakistan-Belarus-sponsored resolution on conventional arms control at the United Nations, with New Delhi arguing that national security concerns extend well beyond regional boundaries and cannot be effectively addressed through narrowly defined regional arrangements.

The draft resolution, titled ‘General and Complete Disarmament: Conventional Arms Control at the Regional and Sub-regional Levels’, was adopted by the UN General Assembly’s First Committee with 180 votes in favour, two against and no abstentions. India and Israel were the sole opponents among the UN’s 193 member states.

Explaining India’s position, Anmol Sher Bedi, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, said conventional arms control should be treated as a global issue rather than one centred principally on regional or sub-regional frameworks. He stated: “We are not fully convinced that it should be pursued primarily in regional and sub-regional contexts.”

Bedi said India’s vote was consistent with its long-standing position on the issue. He also challenged a provision urging the UN Disarmament Commission to consider developing principles for future regional agreements on conventional arms control.

Questioning the need for renewed deliberations, Bedi noted that the Commission had already produced three consensus outcomes on the subject: guidelines and recommendations on regional disarmament in 1993, guidelines on conventional arms control and disarmament in 1999, and recommendations on practical confidence-building measures involving conventional weapons in 2017.

“We read this request with a certain degree of curiosity,” Bedi said. He added, “That makes three consensus outcomes on this very subject in the very body now being asked to start from scratch.”

Expressing further scepticism, he remarked: “We fail to understand why a subject already deliberated at length needs another round of deliberation unless the aim is to keep the UN disarmament machinery busy.”

India also objected to the resolution’s emphasis on maintaining a balance in defence capabilities within specific regions or sub-regions. According to Bedi, such an approach wrongly assumes that security challenges are geographically limited.

“This assumes that the security concerns of States politely stop at their regional borders. They do not,” he said. He further argued that such concerns “extend beyond narrowly-defined regions and sub-regions” and that “the notion of preserving balance in a region or a sub-region appears unrealistic”.

The Pakistan-Belarus proposal maintained that conventional arms control should primarily be pursued at regional and sub-regional levels because many post-Cold War security threats emerge among neighbouring states. It called for arrangements aimed at strengthening regional peace and security while keeping military forces and armaments at the lowest possible levels. The text also asserted that countries with significant military capabilities carry a particular responsibility in advancing such measures.

Separately, India voted against a paragraph referencing arms control proposals related to South Asia. The provision highlighted regional initiatives, including consultations among certain Latin American countries and proposals concerning conventional arms control in South Asia, while recognising the relevance of such measures to regional security.

New Delhi’s opposition to that paragraph reflected its wider objection to addressing conventional arms control chiefly through regional frameworks. India argued that the issue requires a broader international perspective, a position it has consistently maintained in UN disarmament discussions over the years. 

Recent UN records also show that resolutions on conventional arms control at the regional and sub-regional levels have been debated repeatedly over several decades, reinforcing India’s argument that the subject has already received substantial consideration within the UN system.

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Indian Sailor Killed After 'Al Jusufi' Struck Off Oman Coast Amid Gulf Security Threats

An Indian seafarer has died after the India-flagged cargo vessel Al Jusufi was struck by an unidentified aerial object while sailing near the coast of Oman, highlighting the continuing dangers facing commercial shipping in Gulf waters.

The multi-purpose support vessel was carrying 14 Indian crew members when the incident occurred on 2 November. According to Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the ship came under attack while navigating off the Omani coast.

Thirteen crew members were able to evacuate safely and were subsequently rescued by the Omani Coast Guard. However, one sailor, identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij of Gujarat, sustained fatal injuries in the attack.

Confirming the incident, Sonowal said: "On Nov 2, the Indian MSV AL JUSUFI, carrying 14 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman. While 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, I am deeply saddened to report that one of our seafarers, Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, tragically succumbed to his injuries."

The minister added: "My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this hour of immense grief."

Indian authorities have moved quickly to assist those affected. The Ministry of Shipping and the Indian Embassy in Oman are working closely with local officials to provide immediate support to the surviving crew members and to arrange the repatriation of both the survivors and the mortal remains of the deceased sailor.

Officials have not yet determined who was responsible for the attack, and details surrounding the type of weapon or ammunition used remain unclear.

The incident comes against the backdrop of continued instability across the Middle East and a series of attacks targeting merchant vessels transiting strategic Gulf shipping routes. Security concerns in the region have intensified following escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran, increasing risks for commercial shipping operations.

The latest strike underlines the vulnerability of vessels operating near critical maritime corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy transit routes. Disruptions and attacks in the region have raised concerns over maritime safety and the wider impact on global trade and energy supplies.

India has repeatedly expressed concern over the safety of its nationals working at sea. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, at least 22 Indian nationals have been killed in attacks involving shipping vessels and tankers in Gulf waters.

"We are deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in West Asia. We have lost 22 Indian nationals in the conflict, including 14 seafarers," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a media briefing last month.

The attack on Al Jusufi adds to growing concerns over maritime security in the Gulf and renews calls for stronger international cooperation to safeguard seafarers and commercial shipping operating in the region.

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US Secretly Hits Iran's Qeshm Island As Trump Keeps Door Open To Nuclear Deal

The United States has reportedly carried out a covert strike on Iran's strategically important Qeshm Island, located at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, as part of a series of limited military operations that Washington has allegedly conducted in recent weeks.

According to reports citing US officials, the attacks were intended as defensive measures designed to limit Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping moving through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy transit routes.

US officials said the operations were deliberately kept out of public view to avoid creating the impression that Washington was preparing to resume a wider military campaign against Tehran.

Explosions were reportedly heard on and around Qeshm Island, although US authorities did not publicly acknowledge the operation. US Central Command also did not immediately comment on the reports.

The developments come amid mixed signals from President Donald Trump regarding future policy towards Iran. While some administration officials have continued to examine military and economic options, Trump publicly downplayed the prospect of another major confrontation.

Asked whether he was considering striking Iran after the US midterm elections, Trump replied: "No."

He also sought to minimise the likelihood of renewed conflict, telling reporters: "We had a war with Iran. We won." Trump added that there had been no fighting for months and suggested that negotiations over Iran's nuclear program could still produce a breakthrough.

Qeshm Island occupies a highly sensitive position at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a substantial share of global oil and gas shipments passes. The island reportedly hosts a large underground missile complex, a naval facility and a major desalination plant, making it a strategically significant asset for Iran.

The island had previously been targeted during earlier phases of the conflict, and US officials had at one point reportedly discussed the possibility of seizing it because of its military importance and location overlooking key maritime routes.

The reported strike occurred against a backdrop of continuing tensions across the Gulf region. Washington has maintained pressure on Tehran through military deployments, sanctions and restrictions on Iranian trade, while concerns over attacks on commercial vessels have remained a central security issue for regional governments and international shipping operators.

Iran signalled that responsibility for the next phase of diplomacy rested with Washington. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran's conditions for an agreement had been conveyed clearly and described them as reasonable.

Senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, have warned that any renewed US military action would trigger retaliation both inside and outside the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration is reportedly continuing to assess a range of options, including further airstrikes, tighter sanctions and an expanded blockade of Iranian commerce.

Reports also indicated that US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper recently briefed Trump at the White House. The United States has reportedly moved additional missile defences and munitions into the region as a precaution against the possibility of broader military operations.

The episode highlights the delicate balance Washington is attempting to maintain, pursuing diplomatic engagement with Tehran while simultaneously preserving military pressure and strengthening its regional deterrence posture.

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IAI Poised To Secure $906 Million Indian Air Force Refuelling Tanker Contract

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is reportedly nearing the award of a major contract worth approximately $905.7 million (around ₹8,000 crore) to supply six aerial refuelling aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) by converting Boeing 767 passenger jets into military tanker platforms, Times of India reported.

The Israeli state-owned aerospace company has emerged as the sole qualifying contender after competing bids from Russian and European manufacturers reportedly did not satisfy the required evaluation standards. If finalised, the contract would represent one of the most significant recent air mobility acquisitions for the IAF.

Under the proposed arrangement, IAI would acquire six Boeing 767 aircraft and convert them into Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) platforms. In line with India's Make-in-India initiative, at least 30 per cent of the project work is expected to be carried out domestically.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is likely to play a central role as IAI’s Indian partner. The company is expected to undertake key activities including systems integration, electrical wiring modifications and structural enhancement work. Subject to the necessary approvals, deliveries are anticipated between 2028 and 2030.

The Boeing 767-based MMTT solution relies on pre-owned commercial aircraft that are extensively modified by IAI’s Bedek Aviation Group into military refuelling and transport platforms. The approach is widely regarded as a cost-effective alternative to procuring newly built tanker aircraft while still delivering substantial operational capability.

Once inducted, the new tankers are expected to replace or supplement the IAF’s ageing fleet of Russian-origin Ilyushin Il-78 aircraft, which have faced long-standing availability and maintenance challenges. The acquisition is intended to significantly improve the endurance and reach of frontline combat aircraft such as the Rafale and Su-30MKI, while also supporting future long-range operations involving other fighter platforms.

Beyond their aerial refuelling mission, the aircraft will provide strategic airlift capability, cargo transport and troop movement functions, giving the IAF greater operational flexibility across a wide spectrum of missions.

The tanker procurement forms part of India’s broader effort to strengthen force-projection capabilities and enhance operational reach across the Indian Ocean region and along its extended borders. Aerial refuelling is widely regarded as a critical force multiplier, enabling combat aircraft to remain airborne for longer durations and conduct missions at far greater distances from their home bases.

IAI brings more than four decades of experience in air-to-air refuelling technologies and has completed numerous tanker conversion projects for over a dozen customers worldwide, including the Israeli Air Force. Its extensive track record in aircraft conversion work, combined with HAL’s anticipated participation, is expected to support both capability enhancement and domestic aerospace industrial development within India.

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US-Iran Direct Doha Talks Edge Closer After Breakthrough In Nuclear And Hormuz Negotiations

An American delegation is expected to travel to Doha for direct discussions with Iranian officials after a reported breakthrough in indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran, raising hopes of a renewed diplomatic process aimed at easing tensions and averting further military escalation.

According to reports emerging from mediation efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan, both sides have reached a preliminary understanding on several key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and a package of financial incentives for Tehran.

China and Russia are reportedly expected to play the role of guarantors for any eventual agreement, adding an additional layer of international backing to the diplomatic initiative.

The apparent progress follows more than 12 hours of talks between Qatari mediators and Iranian officials in Tehran. The discussions were focused on re-establishing direct negotiations between the United States and Iran while preventing a renewed outbreak of conflict in the region.

The diplomatic push has gained urgency amid growing concerns that Washington could consider military action against Iran following the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3.

The negotiations are expected to continue in Doha, with Qatari officials maintaining close contact with the White House throughout the latest round of discussions.

A diplomatic source described the outcome of the talks as encouraging, stating: “There was positive progress. Talks are still ongoing in an effort to unlock a deal between the US and Iran.”

Qatar is reportedly pressing both parties to adopt a sequence of reciprocal confidence-building measures that could be implemented within days. The objective is to create conditions for the resumption of direct negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and broader regional security issues.

Despite the momentum, significant differences remain.

The Trump administration reportedly continues to insist that Tehran make nuclear-related concessions before formal negotiations resume. Iran, meanwhile, is demanding the lifting of what it describes as a naval blockade, the release of frozen financial assets and permission to expand its oil exports before returning to the negotiating table.

Qatari mediators are also attempting to persuade Iran to permit United Nations inspectors access to nuclear facilities damaged during the conflict. Such inspections are being proposed as a confidence-building measure that could be matched by sanctions relief from Washington.

A preliminary negotiating framework reportedly includes provisions for Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile to be either transferred to an agreed third country or reduced to lower enrichment levels.

The proposal also calls for the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important energy shipping routes, to be fully reopened to international maritime traffic within seven days of an initial understanding.

Under the draft arrangement, Iranian measures relating to nuclear activities and maritime security would be matched by corresponding US actions designed to ease sanctions, economic restrictions and maritime pressure.

The framework envisages an independent verification mechanism that would assess compliance before each phase of implementation. The intention is to ensure that neither side makes major concessions without receiving independently verified commitments from the other.

It also includes a dispute-resolution process involving mediators and guarantor states to address potential violations or delays and reduce the risk of renewed military confrontation.

The latest developments come after weeks of intensive regional mediation. Qatar and Pakistan have been at the centre of efforts to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran as fears grow that a wider conflict could severely disrupt global energy markets and international shipping.

Reports indicate that divisions remain within President Donald Trump’s administration regarding the best way forward.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are said to be highly sceptical that a durable nuclear agreement can be achieved with the current Iranian leadership and reportedly support additional pressure, including the possibility of further military strikes.

By contrast, Vice President JD Vance and presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are understood to favour reviving negotiations and pursuing a diplomatic settlement.

President Trump himself has indicated cautious scepticism regarding Tehran’s willingness to agree to terms acceptable to Washington.

“There are talks. They want to talk. They keep talking. ...We have time, frankly. It's a war, but it is not a typical war,” Trump told reporters.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who oversees the administration’s economic pressure campaign known as “Operation Economic Outcast”, is reportedly among the senior officials urging the President to give diplomacy additional time rather than move rapidly towards renewed military action.

Regional powers including Egypt, Turkey, Iraq and Saudi Arabia have also reportedly encouraged Iran to resume negotiations before the US midterm elections, reflecting widespread concern about the consequences of a broader regional conflict.

Those concerns have intensified because any escalation could cause extensive damage across Iran and the Gulf while further aggravating the global energy crisis.

Iran has warned that any attacks on its energy infrastructure could trigger retaliatory strikes against oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.

At the same time, assessments suggest that any future US military operation would likely be conducted in coordination with Israel, with Tehran expected to respond through missile attacks. Hezbollah could also become involved, increasing the risk of a wider regional confrontation.

Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly urging Washington to consider a joint military operation against Iran immediately after the US midterm elections.

Against this backdrop, the ongoing diplomacy in Doha is increasingly being viewed as a crucial opportunity to reduce tensions, restore direct communication between Washington and Tehran and potentially establish a framework capable of preventing another major conflict in the Middle East.

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EAM Jaishankar Urges G20 To Prioritise Diplomacy Over Military Solutions

India has stressed that diplomacy, rather than military action, remains the most effective way to address the growing number of global crises, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar using the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta to call for greater international engagement and dialogue.

Addressing the first plenary session of the gathering hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jaishankar said, “Emphasised that in the face of global challenges, military solutions will not work and diplomacy must be given a chance.” His remarks came against the backdrop of continuing conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and escalating tensions across West Asia.

The minister also drew attention to attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers, warning that such incidents are having a disproportionate impact on developing nations. He highlighted the “urgent need to preserve the freedom of navigation and ensure cessation of attacks within the framework of international law, especially UNCLOS”.

Jaishankar noted that countries across the Global South are paying a particularly heavy price for disruptions to maritime trade, with attacks on shipping threatening the availability and affordability of fuel, food and agricultural nutrients.

The issue is of particular concern for India, with at least 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, having lost their lives since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict in February this year.

Underscoring broader economic concerns, Jaishankar argued that developing economies are increasingly being denied their right to industrialise through market flooding, the weaponisation of supply chains, restricted market access and artificial distortions. “This must cease,” he said, while advocating resilient and alternative connectivity networks as countries pursue economic de-risking and diversification strategies.

The minister also delivered a pointed warning on terrorism, stating, “Tactical calculations should not lead to overlooking the dangers of terrorism. It is a high-risk activity which has come back to bite even the practitioners.”

The focus on secure shipping lanes reflects growing international concerns over maritime disruptions, which have strained global supply chains, increased transport costs and heightened uncertainty in energy and commodity markets. India has consistently argued that freedom of navigation is essential for economic stability and sustainable growth.

Jaishankar arrived in Atlanta on Thursday evening and held interactions with several foreign counterparts before the formal sessions began. On the sidelines of the summit, he is also expected to participate in a Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting alongside representatives from the United States, Japan and Australia, ahead of a leaders’ summit in the Philippines next month.

Opening the two-day ministerial discussions, Rubio warned delegates that the world was facing a “moment of choosing” amid mounting economic and geopolitical instability. “We are facing a series of interconnected economic and geopolitical crises, many of which pose severe threats to essential foundations of the global economic order, new disruptions and strains to global energy and food markets, to the global supply chain, to trade, to freedom of navigation itself,” he said.

Rubio further emphasised that G20 nations must work together to strengthen economic resilience and protect commercial markets. Following the session, he reiterated that maritime and food security are key pillars of economic security and said the United States was encouraging partners to safeguard shipping routes, strengthen food security and minimise the economic fallout from geopolitical crises.

The Atlanta meeting takes place amid continuing differences among G20 members over several international conflicts and major geopolitical flashpoints. The United States will host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami on 14-15 December.

Following his engagements in Atlanta, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Antigua and Barbuda to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting from 1-4 November.

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Iran-US Draft Envisions Uranium Transfer And Hormuz Reopening Within Seven Days

A preliminary framework for renewed negotiations between the United States and Iran reportedly proposes the transfer of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile to a mutually agreed third country, or alternatively reducing its enrichment levels as part of a broader diplomatic settlement.

The draft proposal also outlines the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international maritime traffic within seven days of an initial understanding being reached between Washington and Tehran. The waterway remains one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime corridors, carrying a substantial share of global energy shipments.

According to details of the framework, China could potentially serve as a guarantor for the implementation and long-term sustainability of any eventual agreement. The proposal further recommends that direct negotiations between the United States and Iran be held in Doha rather than Istanbul.

Under the proposed arrangement, Iranian steps concerning its nuclear activities and maritime security commitments would be matched by corresponding American measures aimed at easing sanctions, economic restrictions and blockades. The framework is designed around a reciprocal approach intended to ensure that concessions by either side are balanced by equivalent actions from the other.

A central feature of the proposal is the creation of an independent verification mechanism. Compliance would be assessed before each phase of implementation, ensuring that neither Washington nor Tehran undertakes significant commitments without corresponding measures being independently verified.

The draft additionally calls for a dispute-resolution mechanism involving mediators and guarantor parties. The objective would be to address delays, disagreements or violations while reducing the risk of renewed military escalation.

The proposal emerged as diplomatic efforts intensified across the region. According to Iranian media reports, a Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran for consultations aimed at restoring a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The delegation was led by a senior adviser to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and was operating in coordination with Washington.

Reports also indicated that the Qatari envoys delivered a letter from US Vice President JD Vance to Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei.

The communication was reportedly welcomed in Tehran because it offered a fresh diplomatic pathway intended to prevent further American military strikes.

The framework has surfaced amid continuing tensions between the two countries and follows months of conflict and unsuccessful diplomatic initiatives. Against this backdrop, US President Donald Trump stated that Washington was in no rush to conclude its confrontation with Iran, describing the situation as “not a typical war” and arguing that time remained on the American side.

“There are talks. They want to talk. They keep talking,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

Trump also claimed that Iran was facing significant internal economic difficulties. “But look, they're not paying their soldiers, they're not paying their police. They're in a lot of trouble. And we have time, frankly. It's a war, but it's not a typical war; we've been there for seven months,” he said.

The US President further argued that the financial burden on Washington had been limited. “We're spending very little money, relatively speaking. I heard somebody say, you're spending money. I said, well, any money we spent, we've more than made up for in a place called Venezuela, like by 10 times...” he remarked, although he did not provide figures to support the claim.

Despite repeatedly indicating that diplomatic engagement remains possible, Trump has continued to raise the prospect of additional military action. He previously suggested that the United States could launch “another little Epic Fury” operation against Iran while also maintaining that a “big and good” agreement could still be achieved.

The latest developments highlight the uncertainty surrounding the future course of the crisis. Although Trump has asserted that Tehran is interested in negotiations, substantial disagreements persist over key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and restrictions affecting Iranian ports.

Diplomatic engagement continued on Friday when Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a G20 ministerial gathering in the United States. Their discussions covered the ongoing US-Iran negotiations, wider regional developments and bilateral relations.

The meeting followed a telephone conversation between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Trump earlier in the week. During the call, Ankara emphasised its close monitoring of maritime routes and expressed support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at easing regional tensions.

Turkey has joined other regional stakeholders in engaging with Washington to explore possible paths towards de-escalation. However, Trump’s insistence that the United States has ample time, combined with continuing warnings of possible military action, underlines the fragile nature of any prospective diplomatic breakthrough.

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Tanker Hit by Explosive Devices in Strait of Hormuz; Crew Safe After Engine-Room Fire

A commercial tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz was attacked after a small boat allegedly attached two explosive devices to its port side hull above the waterline, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred at approximately 2212 UTC around 25 nautical miles north-east of Khasab, Oman.

UKMTO said the detonations triggered a fire in the vessel’s engine room and temporarily disabled the tanker. However, a subsequent verified report confirmed that all crew members were safe and that there had been no environmental impact.

“The report indicates that the tanker was approached on the port side by a small boat which attached two explosive devices to the hull above the waterline,” UKMTO stated. The agency added that the resulting explosions caused an engine-room fire which has since been extinguished.

Following the incident, the tanker was able to resume its voyage and continue towards its next port of call. UKMTO noted that its initial report had only indicated that an outbound tanker was on fire, with the cause, extent of damage, status of the crew and environmental consequences then unknown.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the attack. UKMTO has advised vessels operating in the area to remain vigilant, stating: “Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO, whilst authorities investigate.”

The incident comes amid heightened tensions surrounding maritime traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Iranian military authorities have recently asserted tighter control over the waterway and warned merchant shipping against entering areas they describe as restricted and unsafe.

In a statement carried by state broadcaster IRIB, Iran’s Army Navy Public Relations claimed that a tanker travelling in what it described as a restricted area east of the Strait of Hormuz had been damaged and set ablaze after striking a naval mine.

According to the statement, “This morning, a tanker travelling in a restricted and unsafe area east of the Strait of Hormuz was damaged and caught fire after hitting a naval mine, preventing it from moving.”

Iranian naval officials also warned against unauthorised transit through the waterway, stating, “The Strait of Hormuz is closed to violating ships that intend to pass through prohibited and unsafe areas without coordination and relying on the lies of the US President.”

Senior Iranian military figures have further reinforced Tehran’s position. According to IRIB, Major General Yazidi declared, “The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Iran’s conditions are met, under the control of the warriors of Islam.”

The developments coincide with growing US deliberations over its approach towards Iran. Reports indicate that Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, briefed US President Donald Trump on military options involving Iran during a White House meeting attended by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine and other senior officials.

The discussions follow speculation about the possible resumption of major US combat operations against Iran after the US-Israeli bombing campaign conducted earlier this year on 28 February. The United States has also reportedly strengthened air defences, munitions stockpiles and other military resources across the Middle East in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed suggestions that Washington’s strategy would influence Tehran’s negotiating position. Writing on X, he stated, “The carrot-and-stick approach does not affect Iran,” adding that “Progress can only be achieved once Iran’s seven conditions have been agreed upon.”

His comments followed reports that Iran had received, but not yet responded to, a letter sent by US Vice President JD Vance to Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei as part of renewed diplomatic efforts.

Separately, Iran’s armed forces claimed that at least three oil tankers had caught fire after striking mines while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz within a 24-hour period.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps alleged that the vessels had used an unauthorised southern route, switched off their radar and navigation systems, and ignored repeated warnings issued by the Iranian navy.

ANI

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