Two Oil Tankers Hit By Explosions In Gulf Of Oman; U.S. Blames Iran
Two commercial oil tankers were hit by explosions and caught fire in the Gulf of Oman, prompting the evacuation and rescue of dozens of crew members. The United States blamed Iran, accusing it of trying to disrupt oil supplies through the strategic waterway.


Ship operators said that 21 crew on board the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous tanker and 23 on the Front Altair, owned by Norway, were evacuated by nearby vessels after the blasts erupted June 13.


Iranian state media reported that the Iranian navy rescued the 44 and transferred them to an Iranian port, a claim disputed by the United States, which said its Navy had come to the rescue of some of those aboard the ships.


One crewman was said to have been slightly injured.


The incidents come a month after attacks on four tankers off the nearby United Arab Emirates increased tensions between Tehran and Washington and U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf.


In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Tehran, citing the type of explosives used and what he said was the sophistication of the attacks. He asserted it was part of a campaign to escalate tensions in the region.


"This is only the latest in a series of attacks, instigated by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its surrogates, against the United States and its allies," Pompeo said. "And they should be understood in the context of 40 years of unprovoked aggression against freedom-loving nations."


Earlier at the United Nations Security Council, the U.S. ambassador condemned the attacks and added that Washington was providing assistance.


"It's unacceptable for any party to attack commercial shipping and today's attacks on ships in the Gulf of Oman raise very serious concerns," the U.S. envoy, Jonathan Cohen, said.


UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned at the meeting that the world cannot afford "a major confrontation in the Gulf region."


"I strongly condemn any attack against civilian vessels. Facts must be established and responsibilities clarified," Guterres said.

Article Credit: https://en.radiofarda.com/