Norwegian ship ablaze at sea, second tanker also abandoned.
The United States blamed Iran for attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday that drove up oil prices and raised concerns about a new US-Iranian confrontation.
The firm that chartered the Kokuka Courageous tanker said it was hit by a suspected torpedo, but a person with knowledge of the matter said torpedoes were not used. "It is the assessment of the United States government that the Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for the attacks that occurred in the Gulf of Oman today," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters.
Iran has repeatedly warned it would block the Strait of Hormuz if it cannot sell its oil because of US sanctions. The crews of both ships struck on Thursday were picked up safely. The Bahrain-based US Navy Fifth Fleet said it had assisted the two tankers after receiving distress calls. When asked if the United States had shown any evidence to support its accusation that Iran was responsible, Al-Otaibi told reporters:"We didn’t discuss any evidence.""Iran will never initiate a war but will give a crushing response to any aggression," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday.
In abandoning the deal, Trump made clear he wanted Iran to curb not merely its nuclear work but its development of missiles and support for proxy forces in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Oil prices surge after attacks on tankers | The Malaysian InsightUS blames Iran for attack in Gulf of Oman, a vital shipping lane.
Read more »
US warns UN of 'clear threat' from Iran after tanker attacksWashington's view was not shared by other council members, who noted that there was no clear evidence to link Iran to the attacks.
Read more »
OPEC still gridlocked on meeting date amid Iran-Saudi schism'What’s amazing about this dispute is that it has little to do with the actual content of the agreement – a rollover seems almost certain,' says Croft.
Read more »
Iran says tanker 'attacks' as Japan PM visits 'suspicious'Could it be a case of suspicion as two Japanese oil tankers are attacked today as Shinzo Abe holds talks with Iran?
Read more »
Alleged shooter arrested in US$8,000 plot to kill baseball's David OrtizThe plot to kill Ortiz is more complex than initially thought. ortiz
Read more »
US star Morgan defends 'excessive' celebrations in Thai routMorgan says it would be disrespectful if the US did not give their best efforts against the Thais.
Read more »