US Security Advisor John Bolton blamed Iran for alleged attacks on four merchant vessels off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Iran is „almost certainly“ behind the sea-mine attacks, Bolton said today during a visit to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, as the local news site The National reported. He did not present evidence of his allegation, according to the report.
More than two weeks ago, the Emirates had reported acts of sabotage against four merchant ships from various countries in the Gulf of Oman, speaking of „anti-state operations“. According to Saudi Arabian statements, two tankers in the country were badly damaged. However, the exact circumstances remained as unclear as those responsible.
US and Saudi Arabia tighten tone over Iran
Bolton said the report said there had been an attack on the Saudi oil port Janbu. There ends one of the main oil pipelines of the country, which was attacked about two weeks ago by Yemeni Houthi rebels with a drone. Sunni Saudi Arabia sees the Houthis as an ally of Shiite Iran, blaming Tehran for the attack.
The US and Saudi Arabia have sharpened their tone vis-à-vis Iran over the past few weeks. Washington also sent an aircraft carrier association and a bomber squadron to the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has summoned tomorrow for a summit meeting of Arab and Islamic countries in Mecca to discuss „aggression“ in the region.
