Iran denieis role in attack on tanker off Oman coast

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has denied reports alleging that Tehran was behind a recent attack on a civilian vessel off the coast of Oman, involving the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The aim behind remarks by the Zionist regime and other (US - TASS) allies is to make baseless accusations against Iran, he said. "Iran is brave enough to shoulder responsibility for what it does," IRNA quoted the top Iranian diplomat as saying, according to TASS.

On November 16, the Associated Press news agency reported, citing a defence official, that the Pacific Zircon oil tanker had been struck in an exploding drone attack off Oman. Eastern Pacific Shipping, the operator, is owned by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement released by the White House that Washington was "confident that Iran likely conducted this attack."

On November 18, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz said that a vessel had been attacked by an Israeli UAV, without disclosing any details.