The Japanese-owned chemical tanker, struck off the coast of India on 23rd Dec 2023, was targeted by a drone fired from Iran, said the Pentagon. The US military remains in communication with the vessel as it continues towards a destination in India, it added.<br />''<br />''Saturday's attack took place around 10 am local time (0600 GMT), about 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) off the coast of India and caused no casualties aboard the vessel, it said.<br />''<br />''It was the first time, the Pentagon has openly accused Iran of directly targeting ships since the start of Israel's war on the Hamas, which is backed by Iran. <br />''<br />''The Indian navy said it had responded to a request for assistance.<br />