Unacceptable: India Condemns Ship Attack Near Oman, 1 Indian Sailor Missing

India on Sunday strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman, describing attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure as unacceptable. The vessel was carrying 14 Indian crew members. Thirteen were rescued, while one Indian sailor remained missing as search and rescue operations continued.

The Oman incident came amid a wider escalation around the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, an Iranian commercial vessel was struck by a projectile near Qeshm Island in the strait. At least one person was reported killed and several others injured. The origin of the projectile has not been established, and no group has claimed responsibility.

The crisis is simultaneously worsening in Yemen. The Houthis have made significant gains along the Red Sea coast, including around the strategic port city of Mokha and an island near the Bab al Mandeb Strait. Tens of thousands of people have reportedly been displaced by the renewed fighting.

The Houthis have also claimed a major wave of attacks against Saudi Arabia. Their military spokesman said Saudi aircraft carried out 129 strikes in 48 hours across several Yemeni areas, including Taiz, Marib, Hodeidah, Al Jawf, Saada, Amran and Hajjah. Saudi Arabia has not publicly confirmed the full figure.

The fighting around Taiz and Marib is particularly significant. Marib remains one of the most important strongholds of Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. The area is also home to oil fields and military facilities, making it strategically and economically vital.

For Riyadh, the choices are becoming increasingly difficult. One option is to intensify its military campaign and attempt to push the Houthis back. But airstrikes alone may not reverse territorial gains, while a major ground offensive could expose Saudi forces to heavy losses.

The second option is diplomacy and a broader political accommodation. But that would carry its own risks, particularly if Riyadh believes it would amount to surrendering ground to the Houthis and increasing Tehran's influence in Yemen.

Diplomacy over Hormuz could provide another opening. Iran and Oman are hosting Gulf countries in Muscat on Monday to discuss the future of the Strait of Hormuz and maritime security. Bahrain has said it will not attend unless diplomatic relations with Iran are restored.

The talks are unlikely to immediately produce a comprehensive agreement. Iranian officials have indicated that no signed Hormuz deal is expected from the meeting, although discussions over shipping routes and safe navigation could still prove important.