Tehran, June 14 (RHC)-- An attack on two Egyptian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman has created concern in the Mediterranean region on Thursday as the presence of a U.S. warship appeared on the horizon.
The Al-Alam News Agency reported that the while the explosions echoed around the area, sources say they could not determine the source of the attack. Washington, however, was quick to point fingers, saying it was innocent of any foul play and has no interest in contributing to a new Middle East conflict.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he believed that Iran was behind the attacks, without providing any proof to back his accusation. He only said that Tehran was lashing out in response to Washington's successful maximum pressure campaign.
Iran "categorically rejects the U.S. unfounded claim with regard to 13 June oil tanker incidents and condemns it in the strongest possible terms," the Iranian mission to the United Nations said in a statement. Irans Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif, said his homeland was beyond suspicion and, instead, suggested that international powers may be trying to provoke conflict between Iran and the U.S.
While Egypt, now with two oil tankers less, condemned any acts that undermine the safety of waterways in the Gulf region, the foreign ministry in Cairo said it was following with concern news of the attack.
