The US struck an Iranian cargo vessel carrying "essential goods" in the Gulf of Oman this morning, according to the governor of Sirik, who was quoted by Iran's semi-official state news agency Mehr news.

Five crew members were rescued after a projectile hit the vessel, which was reportedly struck as it departed from the city of Khasab, Oman, towards the Iranian city of Sirik.

The US has not commented on the reported strike.

India has summoned a senior American diplomat after three Indian sailors were killed in a US strike on an oil tanker near Oman.

India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Jason Meeks, the US Embassy’s deputy chief of mission in New Delhi, to lodge a "strong protest".

The three Indian sailors who were killed in the strike on the Palau-flagged Settebello on Wednesday have been identified as deck cadet Aditya Sharma, engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasia and chief engineer Patnala Suresh.

Earlier today, India's shipping minister described their deaths an "irreparable loss" and said he was "deeply saddened" to learn about the "tragic incident".

He added that their bodies would be returned to India at the earliest opportunity.

Yesterday, US Central Command said it had disabled an oil tanker as it transited the Gulf of Oman, accusing it of violating its blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.

(Source: BBC)