Israel on Wednesday accused Iran of launching a drone attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman, with an official describing it as an “Iranian provocation in the Gulf” linked to the World Cup in Qatar.
A self-destructive drone attacked the Pacific Zircon, an Israel-bound Liberian-flagged tanker carrying diesel oil, at about 10 p.m. Monday, but did not cause major damage, a US military official told CNN. The drone did not disable the ship or interrupt its journey, the US official said.
“We are in contact with the vessel and there are no reports of injuries or pollution. All crew are safe and accounted for,” Eastern Pacific Shipping, the ship’s operator, said on Wednesday. “There is some minor damage to the vessel’s hull, but no cargo leakage or water ingress.”
Marine Traffic indicated the tanker’s last known location off the coast of Oman near Liwa on Monday.
The Israeli official said the weapon was an Iranian self-destructive drone “HESA Shahed 136, the same ones used in Ukraine.” Iran has sent its self-destructing drones to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine, underscoring the extent to which Iran has developed its attack drone technology.
“We see it as an Iranian provocation in the Gulf – it’s not an attack against Israel – it’s the same thing they usually do in the Gulf, trying to disrupt stability and mainly influence the events of the World Cup,” said the Israeli official, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the situation.
CNN has reached out to the Iranian government for comment.
The weapon and target fit the pattern of attacks linked to Iran in the past. On July 30, 2021, an armed drone attacked a cargo ship named the Mercer Street off the coast of Oman, killing two. This ship was linked to an Israeli billionaire.
Soccer teams and fans from 32 nations, including Iran, are gathering in Qatar ahead of the World Cup, which starts on Sunday.
