Iran Will Not Leave ’Banditry’ In International Waters Unanswered – Shamkhani

By Staff, Agencies

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council [SNSC] Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani said Iran will not let attacks on its vessels go unanswered after an Iranian oil tanker was hit by two suspicious explosions in the Red Sea early Friday.

"Piracy and banditry in international waterways which is done with the aim of making shipping lanes for commercial vessels insecure will not go unanswered," Shamkhani said on Saturday.

Earlier on Friday, an Iranian oil tanker operated by the National Iranian Oil Company [NIOC] was hit near the Saudi port city of Jeddah.

The incident took place some 60 miles from Jeddah early Friday, according to informed sources.

The explosion has reportedly hit the vessel’s hull, causing heavy damages to the vessel’s two main reservoirs, which has resulted in an oil spill in the Red Sea.

Technical experts were investigating the cause of the explosion, with some reports suggesting that it is believed to be a "terrorist attack". 

A statement by NITC said the SABITI tanker was hit by two separate explosions at 5:00 and 5:20 am Friday, probably after being struck by missiles.

It said the crew members are currently safe and none of them has been harmed in the explosions. The tanker is currently in a stable condition, the statement added.