Video LoadingVideo UnavailableClick to playTap to playThe video will start in 8CancelPlay now It is 'highly likely' Iran is behind the 'torpedo' attacks on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, according to a senior United States official. Two tankers were attacked on Thursday near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, leaving one ablaze and adrift as sailors were evacuated from both. The Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair carrying naphtha and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous carrying methanol were both struck earlier today. It is the second time in a month that tankers have been seriously damaged in the region. The first attack was likewise blamed on Iran by the United States. A US defense official told CBS News it was "highly likely Iran caused these attacks" on Thursday. The official dismissed an Iranian claim to have rescued the crews of both vessels in the Gulf of Oman as "patently false." He said the USS Bainbridge picked up 21 crew members. The official also reportedly said he had seen reports that members of one of the tanker crews believed they were hit by a torpedo or a mine - but that this was unconfirmed. The US and Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for last month's attacks using limpet mines on four tankers off the coastof the United Arab Emirates, a charge Tehran denies. Tensions have risen since President Donald Trump, who has demanded Tehran curb its military programmes and influence in the Middle East, pulled the United States out of a deal between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Thursday's attacks came as Shinzo Abe - prime minister of U.S. ally Japan, a big importer of Iranian oil until Washington ratcheted up sanctions - was visiting Tehran with a message from Trump. Abe urged all sides not to let tensions escalate. Britain said it was "deeply concerned" about Thursday's reported explosions and was working with partners on the issue. CommentsShow more comments
US says it's 'highly likely' Iran behind 'torpedo' attacks on Oman gulf tanker
Video LoadingVideo UnavailableClick to playTap to playThe video will start in 8CancelPlay now It is 'highly likely' Iran is behind the 'torpedo' attacks on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, according to a senior United States official. Two tankers were attacked on Thursday near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, leaving one ablaze and adrift as sailors were evacuated from both. The Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair carrying naphtha and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous carrying methanol were both struck earlier today. It is the second time in a month that tankers have been seriously damaged in the region. The first attack was likewise blamed on Iran by the United States. A US defense official told CBS News it was "highly likely Iran caused these attacks" on Thursday. The official dismissed an Iranian claim to have rescued the crews of both vessels in the Gulf of Oman as "patently false." He said the USS Bainbridge picked up 21 crew members. The official also reportedly said he had seen reports that members of one of the tanker crews believed they were hit by a torpedo or a mine - but that this was unconfirmed. The US and Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for last month's attacks using limpet mines on four tankers off the coastof the United Arab Emirates, a charge Tehran denies. Tensions have risen since President Donald Trump, who has demanded Tehran curb its military programmes and influence in the Middle East, pulled the United States out of a deal between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Thursday's attacks came as Shinzo Abe - prime minister of U.S. ally Japan, a big importer of Iranian oil until Washington ratcheted up sanctions - was visiting Tehran with a message from Trump. Abe urged all sides not to let tensions escalate. Britain said it was "deeply concerned" about Thursday's reported explosions and was working with partners on the issue. CommentsShow more comments
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