Iranian Tanker Caught Fire Off the Coast of Saudi Arabia. Iran Claims Missiles Hit It
An explosion occurred on an Iranian tanker off the coast of Saudi Arabia, it caught fire.
The ship of the Iranian national oil company was sailing 97 kilometers off the coast of Saudi Arabia at the time of the incident, local media reported.
Two main storage tanks were reportedly damaged. This led to an oil spill in the Red Sea, but none of the people were injured.
Iran’s national tanker company said the fire has been put out and oil leakage is minimal, Iran Front Page reports.
In Iran, they said that missiles hit the ship, but did not provide evidence.
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Iranian state television has identified the ship as the Sinopa oil tanker. Marine tracking company Tanker Trackers said the tanker is regularly used to deliver oil to Syria, despite international sanctions.
Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have recently become increasingly tense. Countries are fighting for supremacy in the region, religious contradictions only exacerbate this confrontation.
In September, 18 drones and seven cruise missiles hit a large oil field and refinery complex in Saudi Arabia. The country accused Iran of assault.
US officials said Iran was responsible for attacks on two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf in June and July, as well as for attacks on four tankers in May.
Iran denies involvement in these incidents.
