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Iran oil tanker hit by two missiles off Saudi coast: Iranian state media
![Iran oil tanker hit by two missiles off Saudi coast: Iranian state media]()
An Iranian-owned oil tanker was hit by two missiles in the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia’s coast on Friday, Iranian media and officials reported, stoking tension in a region that has faced a series of attacks on crude ships and oil facilities since May. Iran oil tanker hit by two missiles off Saudi coast: Iranian state media
An Iranian-owned oil tanker was hit by two missiles in the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia’s coast on Friday, Iranian media and officials reported, stoking tension in a region that has faced a series of attacks on crude ships and oil facilities since May.
The Sabiti, which was set ablaze, suffered heavy damage and leaked oil after it was struck in the morning about 60 miles (96 km) from the Saudi port of Jeddah, Iranian media reported. State-run IRNA agency said the leak was under control.
The incident, which has yet to be independently confirmed, is the latest involving oil tankers in the Red Sea and Gulf region and is likely to ratchet up tensions between Tehran and Riyadh, long-time regional foes that have been fighting a proxy war in Yemen, which lies at the southern end of the Red Sea.
National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), which owns the vessel, said in a statement the ship was hit by two missiles but also denied a report that they had come from Saudi Arabia. Iran’s Foreign Ministry also said the ship was struck twice.
