Three Indian nationals lost their lives after Iranian forces targeted two merchant vessels in waters near Oman. Around 20 more people were reported injured in separate strikes across West Asia, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The Indian embassy in Oman confirmed the “tragic demise of an Indian national on board MKD Vyom” in a social media statement. It added that officials are working closely with Omani authorities to “facilitate the safe and early repatriation of our nationals on board the vessel”.

The vessel MKD Vyom, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was struck by a drone boat about 52 nautical miles off the Muscat governorate coast. The attack caused a fire and a powerful explosion in the engine room, leading to the death of one Indian crew member, Omani officials said.

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In another incident, two Indian crew members aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker Skylight were killed. The tanker was reportedly targeted by Iranian forces near Oman’s Musandam peninsula over the weekend.

The attacks come at a time of growing tension in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. The region has become increasingly sensitive due to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.