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Iran Responsible For Attacks On Two Tankers: Pompeo

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that the United States believes that Iran is responsible for attacks that damaged two oil tankers near the Persian Gulf.

Speaking at a State Department news conference, Pompeo said that assessment is based on “intelligence, the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping and the fact that no proxy group operating in the area has the resources and proficiency to act with such a high degree of sophistication”.

Pompeo said the attacks on the ships are part of a “campaign” of “escalating tension” by Iran and a threat to international peace and security.

“It is the assessment of the United States government that the Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for the attacks that occurred in the Gulf of Oman today.

This assessment is based on intelligence, the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping and the fact that no proxy group operating in the area has the resources and proficiency to act with such a high degree of sophistication,” he said. 

He said the United States will defend its forces and interests in the region but gave no specifics about any plans and he took no questions.

“These unprovoked attacks present a clear threat to international peace and security, a blatant assault on the freedom of navigation and an unacceptable campaign of escalating tension by Iran,” Pompeo said.

Iran Responsible For Attacks On Two Tankers: Pompeo

Pompeo said the attacks on the ships are part of a “campaign” of “escalating tension” by Iran. 

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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that the United States believes that Iran is responsible for attacks that damaged two oil tankers near the Persian Gulf.

Speaking at a State Department news conference, Pompeo said that assessment is based on “intelligence, the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping and the fact that no proxy group operating in the area has the resources and proficiency to act with such a high degree of sophistication”.

Pompeo said the attacks on the ships are part of a “campaign” of “escalating tension” by Iran and a threat to international peace and security.

“It is the assessment of the United States government that the Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for the attacks that occurred in the Gulf of Oman today.

This assessment is based on intelligence, the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping and the fact that no proxy group operating in the area has the resources and proficiency to act with such a high degree of sophistication,” he said. 

He said the United States will defend its forces and interests in the region but gave no specifics about any plans and he took no questions.

“These unprovoked attacks present a clear threat to international peace and security, a blatant assault on the freedom of navigation and an unacceptable campaign of escalating tension by Iran,” Pompeo said.

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