In a message posted on his X account on Thursday night, Esmaeil Baqaei expressed condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the Indian people and government. He also called on the international community to hold the US accountable.
“The brutal US attacks on Indian commercial vessels which have killed at least three Indian nationals, stand as clear evidence of America’s ongoing policy of armed robbery and State piracy,” the Iranian spokesman said.
“We extend our sympathies to the families and friends of the slain Indian sailors and offer our sincere condolences to the Indian people and government,” he added.
“The international community must hold the United States accountable for its lawless conduct, which continues to threaten global peace and security while endangering the freedom of navigation,” Baqaei stated.
The remarks came as tensions continued to rise following a series of US attacks on Indian-crewed commercial vessels in waters off Oman. On Thursday, US Central Command said an American aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles at the engine room of the tanker Jalveer, alleging the vessel was transporting Iranian oil. Indian authorities said all 20 crew members were safe and were being evacuated with Omani assistance.
The strike followed a deadly attack a day earlier on the tanker Settebello, in which three Indian sailors were killed. It was the third Indian-crewed tanker targeted by US forces this week, after another vessel, Marivex, was disabled on Monday.
India has called for an end to the attacks and instructed relevant agencies to remain on alert to protect Indian seafarers and maritime interests in conflict-affected waters.