According to Reuters, US National Security Adviser, John Bolton, commented that the naval mines that were used to attack oil tankers off the UAE were ‘almost certainly from Iran‘. The UAE has not yet blamed anyone for the sabotage of four vessels, including two Saudi tankers, near Fujairah emirate, a major bunkering hub just outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Mr Bolton continued, stating that the ‘prudent and responsible’ approach by the US that boosted its military presence in the region, highlighted to Iran that this kind of actions risked a very strong US response.
Up to now, Tehran has denied involvement it either attack, while Abbas Mousavi, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, commented on Mr Bolton’s comments as ‘ludicrous claim’.
Mr Bolton made these statements when speaking to reporters in Abu Dhabi, ahead of emergency summits of Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia.
Mr Bolton stated
I think it is clear these (tanker attacks) were naval mines almost certainly from Iran. There is no doubt in anybody’s mind in Washington who is responsible for this and I think it’s important that the leadership in Iran know that we know.
In the meantime, Riyadh accused Tehran of ordering the drone strikes, which were claimed by the Iran-aligned Houthis who have been battling a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen in a four-year conflict seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Mainly, the attack has raised concerns all along the shipping industry, as on the one hand some suggest that the sabotage act could lead to cyber attacks against vessels operating in that area.
On the other hand, London’s insurance markets are to discuss whether to increase the risk level in UAE, boosting the safety of those voyaging in these waters.
