Ten Indian seafarers, detained in Iran in 2025 on a ship, have been released after “sustained diplomatic engagement,” India’s shipping authorities said late on Tuesday, May 26.

The Indian seafarers aboard the ship Harbour Phoenix who were “detained, arrested and imprisoned in Iran” after the vessel was intercepted near Jask Port in July 2025, were successfully released, the Directorate General of Shipping, government of India, wrote in a statement on X.

It did not give further details on the reason for their arrest or about the vessel, which ship tracking sites list as a Palau-flagged oil products tanker, built in 1994.

“The seafarers have now been released and reunited safely,” the shipping authority said. “Necessary arrangements are being coordinated for the earliest return of the crew members to India.”

The authority highlighted the “sustained diplomatic engagement” and “coordinated efforts” between the Directorate General of Shipping, ministry of ports, shipping and waterways, ministry of external affairs, embassy of India in Tehran, and all those involved for the successful release of all ten Indian seafarers.

In its statement on May 26, the Directorate General of Shipping reiterated its unwavering commitment towards the welfare, safety, and protection of Indian seafarers worldwide.

New Delhi adopts a cautious and balanced approach with Iran and US, as recently seen during the Middle East crisis. The Indian government has adopted a strategy of quiet diplomacy, avoiding public rhetoric as in the recent release of the seafarers.

The case had remained sensitive for months, especially given the tensions in Middle East. Even before the recent US-Israeli war against Iran, Tehran intercepted ships.

The development comes at a time when maritime tensions across the Gulf region remain extremely high.

Trump: No one will control Hormuz – ‘Blow ’em up’: Warns Oman not to interfere

US president Donald Trump took questions on a number of topics Wednesday at the White House during a Cabinet meeting.

Trump asserted that no one nation would control the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway, highlighting a key sticking point in resolving the war with Iran.

A reporter asked Trump at the meeting whether he was comfortable with Iran jointly controlling the strategically vital waterway with Oman. Trump rejected the idea of any short-term arrangement that would allow Iran and Oman to oversee the Strait.

“No, the Strait is going to be open to everybody. It’s international waters,” Trump said before being asked who would control it. “Nobody’s going to control it. We’re going to watch over it – we’ll watch over it – but nobody’s going to get control of it as part of any negotiation. They would like to control it. Nobody’s got any control.”

Trump then turned his attention back to Oman and made it clear he would not accept any such arrangement as part of a peace deal with Iran.  

“Oman will behave like everybody else or we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that,” Trump warned.

The comments came amid continuing efforts to secure a ceasefire and a broader agreement following months of mounting military confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

Despite both sides appearing to talk up the prospect of a deal, there also appears to be a number of sticking points between the US and Iran.

The strait’s reopening remains a key sticking point in peace talks.

Speaking during the Cabinet meeting at the White House, the US president made it clear that the United States will not accept a subpar deal.

“We can make a good deal right now, but maybe not a great deal – and if it’s not a great deal, we’re not making it,” he said.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that, as of Wednesday, it has redirected 109 commercial vessels in a bid to ramp up economic pressure on Tehran.

PRESIDENT TRUMP: The Strait is going to be open to everybody. It’s international waters. We’ll watch over it, but nobody’s going to control it.

Oman will behave like everybody else or we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that. pic.twitter.com/hCs1tIhZGP

— Department of State (@StateDept) May 27, 2026