Breaking
Iran
Two oil tankers attacked in Persia gulf region. Iran seems to have telegraphed the event in advance. One reported on fire and drifting in the straits of Hormuz
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Follow up analysis
Iran
This is what we know. Two tankers were struck by some kind of projectile this morning over a span of 45 minutes. Some analysis suggests that the damage resembles that from a torpedo and there is audio from one of the ship’s captain’s distress call stating his vessel was hit by a ‘torpedo’.
Both vessels were traveling out of the gulf area. Both were struck on the starboard side - side facing away from Iran.
Both vessels were operated for/by Japanese interests and were possibly enroute to Japan. Japan PM Abe was in Iran at that same time trying to negotiate with Iran to comply with nuclear restrictions in order to have sanctions lifted. Interesting timing.
The big question is “who”. US administration sources openly speculate it was Iran. Other speculation is that the ships were attacked on the side opposite of Iran to throw confusion and cast doubts on the source. However, given that some sort of (probably a torpedo) ‘projectile’ was used, the primary suspect is Iran. Question is how quickly can the vessel that launched the attack(s) be found and neutralized. Iran does have mini-subs that would be ideal for this kind of sniping mission.
There is the possibility that this is a ‘false flag’ type incident, but the fact remains two vessels were deliberately attacked in the gulf of oman.