A 'state actor' behind the attacks on Gulf oil tankers. But nobody cites Iran
An international investigation shows that sabotage must have been conducted by groups with "strong operational capabilities". For the US and Saudi Arabia there is no doubt that Tehran is behind the attacks. But Russia holds back on hasty conclusions.
New York (AsiaNews) - An international investigation into the sabotage of four oil tankers in the Gulf has concluded that it is the work of a "state actor", but fails to provide any evidence that it is Iran.
The sabotage occurred on May 12th. The investigation, commissioned by the Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Norway, was presented yesterday to members of the UN Security Council at an informal meeting requested by the emirates.
The investigation shows that the sabotage operations took place in a "sophisticated and coordinated" manner, by an actor "with strong operational capabilities, probably a state actor".
From the beginning, the United States has accused Tehran, which would have the aim of raising oil prices, hit by heavy US sanctions. Also for the Saudi ambassador to the UN, Abdallah al-Mouallimi, "Iran bears the burden of responsibility for the attacks". But Iran has rejected any implication.
Iran was not mentioned during the Security Council meeting. Speaking with journalists, Vladimir Safronkov, a Russian ambassador to the UN, said that "we should not rush to conclusions" and "the investigations will continue".
.png)
04/09/2008
03/12/2019 09:59
