Trump administration blames Iran for oil tanker attacks

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday blamed Iran for attacks earlier in the day on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman near Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

“Iran is lashing out because the regime wants our successful maximum pressure campaign lifted,” Pompeo said. “No economic sanctions entitle the Islamic Republic to attack innocent civilians, disrupt global oil markets and engage in nuclear blackmail.”

The White House said President Donald Trump was briefed on the matter and blamed Tehran of being behind a similar attack on May 12 on four tankers in the same area, and the US President Donald Trump stated that Iran committed the attack on the two tankers in the Gulf of Oman and says Hormuz strait will not be closed, but if it is, it won’t be for long.