Iranian Drone Targets Japanese Tanker Ship off India, Pentagon Says

In a significant development, the Pentagon has revealed that a Japanese-owned chemical tanker off the coast of India was targeted by a drone allegedly “fired from Iran.” The incident occurred around 10 am local time and is the first time the Pentagon has openly accused Iran of directly attacking ships amid heightened risks to commercial shipping in the region. The drone strike, which hit the MV Chem Pluto, a Liberian-flagged ship operated by a Dutch entity, caused no casualties, and a fire resulting from the attack was extinguished. The vessel, reportedly Israel-affiliated, was en route from Saudi Arabia to India, highlighting the expanding threats to maritime security in the wake of regional conflicts.

The attack adds to concerns over the safety of shipping lanes, especially in the Red Sea, where Huthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, have been conducting drone and missile strikes. As global shipping faces growing challenges, the incident underscores the need for heightened security measures and international cooperation to safeguard maritime trade routes. The Pentagon remains in communication with the vessel as it proceeds toward India, and the Indian navy has dispatched assistance to ensure the safety of the ship and its crew. This incident, coupled with recent attacks, is likely to prompt a reevaluation of maritime security strategies to mitigate risks and protect vital trade routes in the region.