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Sabotage Attacks On Saudi Arabia’s Oil Tankers

  • 13 May 2019

Why is it in News?

Saudi Arabia’s two oil tankers were sabotaged off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on 13th May in attacks that caused “significant damage” to the vessels, one of them as it was en route to pick up Saudi oil to be transported to the US.

More on the Incident:

  • It has not been ascertained who might have been responsible for the incident. However, US had already warned ships that “Iran or its proxies” could be targeting maritime traffic in the region.
  • America is deploying an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers to the Persian Gulf to counter alleged threats from Tehran.
  • Tensions have risen in the year since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, restoring American sanctions that have pushed Iran’s economy into crisis.

Relevance of the News:

The news highlights growing conflict and instability in the Middle-east which can cause damage to global security.

Iran’s Response:

  • Iran’s Foreign Ministry called for further clarification about what exactly happened with the Saudi tankers.
  • Iran also warned against any “conspiracy orchestrated by ill-wishers” and “adventurism by foreigners” to undermine the maritime region’s stability and security.