Indian Crew Safe After Seven Tankers Attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Seven oil tankers were attacked or damaged by mines in the Strait of Hormuz overnight, raising fears of a return to full-scale war. One vessel, the Kuwait-flagged M/T Al Dasma, carried 21 Indian crew members. Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed all 21 Indian sailors and other crew are safe, adding that the government is monitoring the situation and in contact with the ship's management. The attack marks the highest level of tension in the strait in recent days. The incident comes amid concerns that the US and Israel may resume strikes on Iran, with the New York Times reporting plans for military action after the US midterm elections. Iran has warned it will attack US military bases in the region if commercial ships continue to transit the strait.