The oil tanker Settebello, carrying Iranian crude oil, was struck by a US airstrike in the Gulf of Oman while drifting with its engine off.Three Indian sailors—chief engineer Suresh Patnala, mechanic Shivanand Chaurasia, and trainee cadet Aditya Sharma—were killed in the attack.The vessel had been transporting Iranian oil for at least five years but was not under US sanctions.According to reports, the ship was anchored and awaiting another vessel to transfer cargo when it was hit.US Central Command claimed intelligence confirmed the oil's Iranian origin and alleged the crew ignored multiple warnings before the strike.Despite claims of verbal warnings and displays of force, the crew reportedly dismissed these alerts, leading to the attack.The incident highlights tensions between the US and Iran, with the tanker's location in a contested region adding complexity.Families of the victims and crew members described the suddenness of the strike, emphasizing the lack of prior communication or clear threats.The event has sparked discussions about maritime safety and diplomatic relations between nations.