SHOCKING pictures show a huge fireball raging on a US-linked oil tanker after it was reportedly struck by a torpedo in the Gulf of Oman today.
The Front Altair was one of two ships - along with the Kokuka Courageous - forced to evacuate this morning in the troubled region near Iran.
A huge fire rages on board the Front Altair after it was reportedly hit by a torpedo in the Gulf of Oman
The tanker was one of two ships attacked today sparking an evacuation of all crew members
TENSIONS RISING
Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif branded the explosions as "suspicious" calling them "reported attacks on Japan-related oil tankers."
He said the incident had happened as Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a close American ally.
The US Navy's 5th Fleet said it is aware of a "reported attack" in the area and is investigating.
A statement said: "US naval forces in the region received two separate distress calls at 6.12 am local time and a second one at 7.00 am.
"US Navy ships are in the area and are rendering assistance."
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which is run by the British Navy, urged "extreme caution" and said it was investigating the incident.
“We are deeply concerned by reports of explosions and fires on vessels in the Gulf of Oman. We are in contact with local authorities and partners in the region.”
Authorities do not believe that any British nationals were on the two ships.
A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are deeply concerned by reports of explosions and fires on vessels in the Gulf of Oman. We are in contact with local authorities and partners in the region.”
This comes after the US claimed Iran used explosives to blow huge holes in four ships - including two Saudi oil tankers - anchored in the Persian Gulf last month.
The ships reportedly had ruptures measuring up to ten foot across in their hulls as a result of the May 12 sabotage attacks.
They were targeted near the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates - with one of the tankers due to be loaded with Saudi crude oil bound for the US.
A Washington-based official told the Associated Press that an American military team's initial assessment indicated Iran or its allies used explosives to blow holes in the ships.
Iran strongly denies involvement in the attacks.
US intelligence revealed Iran was on the verge of carrying out offensive action to disrupt and attack American and partner interests in the region.
The general-secretary of the Gulf Cooperation Council described the sabotage as a "serious escalation" in an overnight statement.
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