An Indian national is missing at sea while 10 others have been rescued from a merchant vessel — GFS galaxy — that was hit by Iran while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Immediately after the attack on the commercial vessel, tensions escalated as the US and Iran launched missile strikes on each other’s military facilities in West Asia, triggering fears of a return to full-scale war.

The US military struck more than 140 targets in Iran, with explosions reported in the southern port cities of Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar, Bandar-e Deyr, Jask and Asaluyeh. This was the third wave of attacks in the past week. Iran has responded and made claims of attacks on US bases in Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman by launching missiles and suicide drones.

Responding to the attack on the ill-fated commercial vessel — GFS Galaxy — the Ministry of External Affairs issued an official statement on Sunday, condemning the attack that occurred off the coast of Oman.

The MEA said, “We condemn the attack on GFS Galaxy...Of the 11 Indian nationals on board, 10 have been rescued, while one is reportedly missing”. The MEA thanked the Omani authorities for help in the rescue.

“The continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome,” said the MEA, reiterating the call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and adding that the conclusion of the ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution was needed for peace and stability of the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest, the MEA said.

Earlier on Sunday, the US Central Command said its forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran. The US said its forces hit approximately 140 Iranian military targets with precision munitions launched by land and sea-based fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels. The targets included Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks and coastal surveillance locations.

It said this was done after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessel was unable to continue the journey due to a fire on board and significant engine room damage, the US Central Command said.