Gulf tanker attacks: Iran rejects US allegations

New York: Iran on Friday “categorically” rejected the US’ accusations linking Tehran to the attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. Dozens of crew members were rescued after the blasts on the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous and the Front Altair, owned by a Norwegian company in the Sea of Oman on Thursday. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran for the “unprovoked attacks”, saying Washington made its assessment based on intelligence about the type of weapons used.

Iran’s UN Mission said in a statement released on Friday that the government “categorically rejects” the US claim that it was responsible for the latest incidents against oil tankers which it condemns “in the strongest possible terms”, state-run IRNA news agency reported. It said: “Iran stands ready to play an active and constructive role in ensuring the security of strategic maritime passages as well as promoting peace, stability and security in the region.” The Mission warned of “the US coercion, intimidation and malign behaviour” and expressed concern “over suspicious incidents” involving the two tankers. (IANS)

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