Iran Calls Sabotage of Commercial Ships “Concerning”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded to incidents involving commercial ships near Fujairah port. The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council has also condemned “sabotage operations” against four commercial vessels. These attacks resulted in no casualties.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson called the incidents involving Omani ships “concerning and regrettable” on Monday morning, May 13. This Iranian official called for “clarification of the precise dimensions” of the matter. Abbas Mousavi warned against “any conspiracies by ill-wishers to undermine stability and security in the region.” He called on regional countries to be “vigilant against any adventurism by external actors.”
Based on information released by the United Arab Emirates government, four commercial ships in the Persian Gulf near Fujairah were targeted in attacks that have been referred to as “sabotage operations.”
Sabotage of Saudi Oil Tankers
Germany’s news agency released news of attacks on four commercial ships in Persian Gulf waters in the late hours of Sunday, May 12.
United Arab Emirates officials provided no further details about these attacks or “sabotage operations” to the media. They only stated that the attacks caused no casualties and that no toxic materials entered the water as a result of the attacks.
In this regard, the French news agency reported on Monday, May 13, from Riyadh, news of sabotage attacks against two Saudi oil tankers in Persian Gulf waters.
According to this report, two Saudi oil tankers were subjected to sabotage attacks in the commercial waters of Fujairah port. One of these tankers was carrying oil bound for the United States. This news was announced by Saudi Arabia’s official news agency, citing Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy.
Reaction of Arab Countries
The news website “Spiegel Online” also reported, citing news agencies, reactions from some Arab countries as well as statements from the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, condemned any action that could lead to confrontation or increased tensions in the region.
The Egyptian government also criticized any action regarding attacks on commercial ships in Persian Gulf waters that “harms the national security of the United Arab Emirates.”
Source: DW
