By missiles in an act of ‘sabotage’
looking into a series of other recent “sabotage acts” against the nation’s tankers in the same stretch of water.
Saudi Arabia officials are yet to comment on the missile strike.
Lt Pete Pagano, a spokesman for the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet overseeing the Middle East, said authorities were “aware of reports of this incident” but declined to comment further.
Originally, Iranian state television said a vessel called the Sinopa had been attacked but the NIOC later confirmed it was the Sabiti.
Tensions are currently running high after 18 drones and seven cruise missiles hit a major oil field and processing facility in Saudi Arabia last month.
Following the September 14 attack – which saw oil prices experience their biggest jump in 30 years – Saudi officials placed the blame firmly at the door of Tehran. The US also accused Iran of attacking on six oil tankers in the Gulf between May and July, but the country has insisted it was not responsible.
Further sanctions could still be imposed by US President Donald Trump, who withdrew America from Iran’s controversial nuclear deal in May 2018 and imposed tough restrictions that are now crushing its economy. A FORMER British soldier who fought Islamic State warned last night that the sacrifice made by international volunteers in Syria could be “lost to the wind”.
Jim Matthews was among thousands who joined the Kurdish YPG forces who succeeded in pushing IS or Daesh back.
The 44-year-old was charged with terrorism when he returned, but walked free when prosecutors offered no evidence.
During his year in Syria he was shot at and bombed and lost comrades including 24-year-old Jac Holmes from Bournemouth.
Yesterday, he said: “We cleared that area, we routed Daesh, now all of that can just be lost to the wind because of a stupid decision by Donald Trump.”
Massacre
Mr Matthews, who wrote a book about his experiences in Syria, Fighting Monsters, added: “America had this juggling act of being seen to lead the Kurdish-led forces against Daesh and keeping in withTurkey.We always hoped it wouldn’t happen but there it is.”
Now back in London and working as a teacher, he said: “I know people out there and I’ve had updates.
“It is absolutely horrendous, especially as it was all so predictable. Major cities have been bombed. It is difficult to stop once you have started. It is hard to reverse this once it’s in swing.
“Economic sanctions won’t reverse a massacre. They won’t put Daesh back in prison camps once they’ve dispersed and are regrouping.” Mr Matthews added: “The international community has really got to step up its game and use everything possible to stop this before it goes too far.”
Mr Matthews was arrested on his return at Portsmouth in February 2016 and bailed on suspicion of visiting a terror training camp. Despite being cleared in August last year he believes he is still on a terror watch-list alongside British jihadis who returned from fighting with IS.
He said he was detained by special branch last March, again at Portsmouth ferry port when he said he was “interrogated, fingerprinted, photographed”.
And then, in June, detectives turned up at his sister’s home, demanding to know where he was. “She has two children and an anxiety disorder, and they turned up out of the blue.” He added: “It was outrageous. I am a free citizen. I’m not a wanted man.”
The Met police declined comment on his claims. to