Iran demands int’l probe into attack on ships in UAE coast

SANAA, May 14 (YPA) – Iran, embroiled in an escalating war of words with the United States over sanctions and the U.S. military presence in the region, moved to distance itself from the attack on ships at the port of Fujairah on Monday.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry called the incidents “worrisome and dreadful” and called for an investigation.

A senior deputy in the Iranian parliament said on Monday that ” saboteurs from a third country” could be behind the attack, after saying on Sunday the incident showed the security of Gulf states was fragile.

Reflecting the magnitude of international concerns, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt warned of the risk of “accidental conflict” and of an unintended escalation between Iran and the United States over the nuclear deal.

Last month Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threatened to close the strait if Iran was prevented from using it.

From the Strait of Hormuz, five of the world’s crude oil consumption from the Middle East’s crude oil producers goes to major markets in Asia, Europe, North America and beyond. The narrow waterway separates Iran from the Arabian Peninsula.