Iran has denied all involvement in the attacks (Image: GETTY)
Washington has blamed Iran for the attacks in the Gulf of Oman and say the images taken from a US Navy MH-60R helicopter are proof of that. The British Government supports the US conclusion but Iran has denied all involvement in the incidents. US Military Central Command’s statement on the release of the images says: “Iran is responsible for the attack based on video evidence and the resources and proficiency needed to quickly remove the unexploded limpet mine.”
The attack on Kokura Courageous occurred on the same day as an attack on Norwegian owned Front Altair, just a month after four oil tankers were attacked in the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE told the UN Security Council that the sophistication of the May 12th attacks meant a “state actor” was likely to be behind the attacks, but did not say whom it thought this was and no one has yet claimed responsibility.
Saudi Arabia agrees with the US that Iran was behind the attacks.
Tensions between the West and Iran have long been high.
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One of the released images shows mine blast damage to the oil tanker (Image: EPA)
The last Shah of Iran was a close ally