In light of the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran following the two tanker attacks in Strait of Hormuz earlier in June, the United Arab Emirates said on Wednesday that clear and convincing evidence was needed in order to determine which state is to blame for the attacks.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have publicly blamed Iran for the subsequent attacks against two tankers in the Gulf of Oman on 13 June, which left the one vessel ablaze and both adrift. On its turn, Tehran has denied any involvement.
This incident made headlines as it came after another similar attack involving four tankers off Fujairah, in May.
The UAE has submitted the results of an investigation into the first attack, which showed that a state entity was behind them, without naming the country.
If a country was to be identified, “this evidence must be clear and precise and scientific and convincing for the international community,” UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan was quoted as saying during a news conference in Moscow on Wednesday.
A war of words between Washington and Tehran has escalated over the tanker attacks and Iran’s downing last week of an unmanned American drone.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of UAE State and CEO of ADNOC, noted Tuesday in another conference that the UAE will work to ensure the energy security in the Gulf of Oman and that now is the time for wisdom, diplomacy and the concerted efforts of the international community.
