This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/news/461807-pompeo-blame-iran-tankers-attack/

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Pompeo blames Iran for attack on tankers in Gulf of Oman Pompeo blames Iran for attack on tankers in Gulf of Oman
(30 minutes later)
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said Washington believes Iran is behind the attack on two Japanese tankers in Gulf of Oman. He believes Tehran wants to end "successful maximum pressure campaign" of Washington's sanctions.
“This is only the latest in the series of attacks instigated by the Republic of Iran and its surrogates against American allies and interests. They should be understood in the context of four years of unprovoked aggression against freedom-loving nations," Pompeo said.
Earlier on Thursday, two oil tankers, identified as Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous, were rocked by explosions in the Gulf of Oman. There’s so far little information on what actually happened, but one of the vessels was reportedly hit by a torpedo. Iran said it had rescued 44 sailors from the distressed tankers and called the incident “suspicious.”
Pompeo didn't provide any proof, but reminded that back in April Iran threatened to interrupt the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
He listed a series of incidents in the Middle East, including the attack on tanker ships at port in the United Arab Emirates, that US blames on Iran. There hasn't been any proof given that Tehran is behind the attacks and it denies the involvement.
Pompeo added that Tehran was “lashing out” at Washington’s “successful maximum pressure campaign” which has entailed several layers of sanctions on the country’s economy.
“No economic sanctions entitle the Islamic Republic to attack innocent civilians,” he said.
The secretary of state said he instructed UN ambassador Jonathan Cohen to “raise Iran’s attacks” in the UN Security Council later Thursday afternoon.
DETAILS TO FOLLOWDETAILS TO FOLLOW