The US on Wednesday rejected Iranian claims that it thwarted a US try and “steal” an oil tanker within the Sea of Oman.
A Pentagon official informed Anadolu Company the claims have been “fallacious” and US forces have been “simply monitoring” the vessel within the strategic waters.
“It occurred final week. Iran illegally boarded and seized the internationally-flagged vessel in worldwide waters and took it again into Iranian waters,” mentioned the official, who spoke on the situation of anonymity.
READ: Iran claims to have thwarted US attempt to ‘steal’ oil in Oman Sea
US forces tried to chase the tanker with warships and helicopters however failed to achieve management, in response to Iranian state media.
The tanker is at present docked in Iranian territorial waters.
It’s the newest of many shut encounters between the naval forces of Iran and the US within the Persian Gulf in recent times.
It comes amid simmering tensions between Tehran and Washington, as either side proceed to dither on resuming nuclear deal talks.
