Jun 18, 2019
The alleged attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman near the Iranian coast yesterday have provided fresh ammunition for the U.S. policy against Iran. Secretary of state Mike Pompeo held a press meet and blamed Iran for the attacks. Though he did not provide any evidence for his allegations, he claimed that his statement was based on “intelligence, weapons used, expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping and the fact that no proxy group operating in the area has the resources and proficiency to act with such a high degree of sophistication” BBC reported.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations categorically denied the U.S. allegations. According to its statement, “Iran categorically rejects the U.S. unfounded claim with regard to 13 June oil tanker incidents, and condemns it in the strongest possible terms.” Iranians called the allegation another attempt to spread Islamophobia and warmongering.
These ships were allegedly attacked yesterday morning. It was earlier reported that the tankers, Front Altair and Kouka Courageous, were owned by the Marshall Islands and Panama respectively. However, media reports claimed today that these ships belonged to Norway and Japan. These ships were reportedly carrying cargo to Taiwan and Japan. Iranian teams carried out rescue operations and took all 44 crew members from both the ships to the port of Jask.
Read more at https://mronline.org/2019/06/18/without-a-shred-of-evidence-u-s-accuses-iran-of-attacking-tankers
