Indian vessel sunk near Yemen; US missile interceptor stocks critically low amid Iran tensions
An Indian-flagged ship was hit and sank off Yemen, prompting rescue of its crew, while the United States reports that its THAAD and Patriot interceptor inventories have been depleted by about 80% since the conflict with Iran began.
An Indian-flagged bulk carrier, the MSV Faize Noore Oliya, was struck by a projectile near Yemeni waters on Tuesday and sank, Indian officials said. All 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, were rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and taken to the port of Mokha. India’s minister of ports, shipping and waterways condemned the attack and called for an end to targeting commercial vessels in the region. Yemen’s transportation ministry attributed the strike to Iran-backed Houthi forces, alleging the use of an explosive-laden boat, though the group did not comment.
In parallel, senior U.S. military officials warned that the Pentagon’s stockpile of key air-defense munitions is critically low. Reports indicate that roughly 80% of the THAAD missile inventory and about half of the Patriot interceptor stock have been expended since the start of the war with Iran. The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated pre-war U.S. holdings at around 2,200 Patriot interceptors and 452 THAAD missiles, suggesting a substantial shortfall that could affect regional allies reliant on U.S. air-defense systems.
Iran and Oman continue talks aimed at establishing safe shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, according to an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson. Qatar’s foreign ministry also called for freedom of navigation under international law and said regional states are working to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States, though no final agreement has been reached. The office of Qatar’s emir confirmed a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss de-escalation, without providing details.