The US State Department confirmed it's in direct communication with the Indian government after New Delhi condemned a US attack on a tanker that left three Indian crew members missing in waters off the coast of Oman.
A US strike on the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello reportedly occurred while it was trying to evade an American blockade of Iranian ports.
India summoned the US deputy chief of mission to register a strong protest and called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in the region.
The external affairs ministry condemned the attack and reiterated India's call for a negotiated end to hostilities between Iran and the US.
Twenty-one Indian crew members have been rescued so far, and the Indian embassy in Oman is coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
