On 8 December, Iran seized the oil tanker MT Valiant Roar in international waters, claiming it carried 6,000 metric tonnes of illegal diesel. The ship is operated by Dubai-based Prime Tankers LLC, which denies the charges. The tanker’s crew includes 16 Indians, one Bangladeshi, and one Sri Lankan. Ten Indian crew members were arrested and sent to a jail in Bandar Abbas, Iran. The others remain on the ship. India’s foreign ministry confirmed it has consular access to the 10 detained men. The Indian embassy awaits clearance to meet the six Indians still onboard. The detained crew reportedly live in cramped conditions with limited food and no potable water. Most of their phones and laptops were taken, but one phone was returned for limited family contact. Protests and unrest in Iran since December have slowed consular visits. Prime Tankers owner Jugwinder Brar said the ship carried legal marine fuel, not illegal diesel, and that Iran previously seized another of his ships on similar claims. Brar denied wrongdoing and said the company wants all crew safely returned. Families have petitioned the Delhi high court to pressure the government to secure safe release. Relatives express fear for the crew’s health and well-being amid poor food, sanitation, and power failures on the ship. Gayatri Singh, wife of the chief officer, called Iran’s actions “inhuman” and accused it of using the crew as “human shields.” India continues diplomatic efforts amid escalating regional tensions and increased US military presence nearby.