Gulf of Oman oil tanker attack: US says video shows Iran removing unexploded mine
The US military has released footage which it says shows Iran’s Revolutionary Guard removing an unexploded mine from an oil tanker that was targeted in an attack in the Gulf of Oman.
In a statement the US said Iranian forces were “observed and recorded removing the unexploded limpet mine from the M/T Kokuka Courageous”.
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“The U.S. and our partners in the region will take all necessary measures to defend ourselves and our interests,” the statement said.
“Today’s attacks are a clear threat to international freedom of navigation and freedom of commerce.”
Two oil tankers – the Front Altair and Kokuka Courageous – were set on fire in attacks yesterday.
The US has accused Iran of being the perpetrator of the attacks, which the country has denied. Reuters reported that the UK government agrees that Iran was behind the incidents.
The attacks sparked fears of escalating tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and follows several attacks on oil tankers last month.
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Experts believe Iran is also to blame for the incidents in May.
National security adviser John Bolton said the attack on the tankers had used Iranian-manufactured mines.
Last month’s attack was followed by an attack on Saudi oil pumping stations inland. The Saudis blamed Iran-backed Houthi fighters from Yemen.