The United States declares that Iran has removed the unexploded mine from an oil tanker

The US military on Friday released a video showing that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards were removing an unexploded mine from one of the targeted tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that the Islamic Republic was seeking to remove the evidence of his involvement.

The US Navy has rushed to help ships in distress in the Gulf of Oman off the Iranian coast, one of which was set on fire Thursday by an explosion. The ship operators gave no immediate explanation as to who or what caused the damage to the Japanese-owned MT Front Altair and Kokuka Courageous. Each was loaded with petroleum products and the Altair Front was burning for hours, throwing a thick black smoke column.

Iran denied being involved in the attack, calling it "an unfounded claim" in the US "Iranian" campaign. However, Iran had already used mines against oil tankers in 1987 and 1988 during the "tanker war" when the US Navy escorted ships across the region.

The black-and-white footage, as well as still photographs published by the US Army Central Command, seemed to show the Kokuka Courageous's limpet.

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A patrol boat from the Revolutionary Guard stopped by the ship and withdrew the mine, said Central Command spokesman Captain Bill Urban.

"The United States and the international community are ready to defend our interests, including freedom of navigation," Urban said. "The United States has no interest in engaging in a new conflict in the Middle East. However, we will defend our interests. "

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Iran had previously denied any involvement in a statement of its mission to the United Nations.

"The economic war and terrorism perpetrated by the United States against the Iranian people, as well as its mbadive military presence in the region, have been and remain the main sources of insecurity and instability in the wider region. of the Persian Gulf and the most serious threat to its peace and security. , "Said the statement.

The alleged attacks occurred Thursday at dawn, about 40 kilometers from the south coast of Iran. The Altair Front, loaded with naphtha containing a mixture of flammable hydrocarbons from the United Arab Emirates, radioed for help when it caught fire. Shortly after, the Kokuka Courageous, loaded with methanol from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, also called for help.

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The US Navy has sent a destroyer, USS Bainbridge, to help, Cmdr said. Joshua Frey, a spokesman for the 5th Fleet. He described the ships as hit in a "reported attack", without further precision.

Thursday's attack resembled a May attack on four oil tankers off the Emirati port of Fujairah. US authorities have also accused Iran of targeting vessels with strainer mines, which are magnetic and attach to the hull of a ship. Mines deactivate, but do not sink, a ship.