Tanker blaze ‘could lead to 3rd Gulf War’
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt yesterday warned there is a ‘great risk’ of another war in the gulf following attacks on oil tankers blamed on iran.
The Ministry of Defence played down reports that royal Marines were being sent to the region to protect British warships.
But the government made clear that action would be taken if necessary. iran has faced international condemnation after last Thursday’s attack on two oil tankers, but insists it was not involved. Asked if a third war in the gulf since 1990 was possible, Mr Hunt said: ‘This is the great risk... Both sides in this dispute think that the other side wouldn’t want a war. We are urging all sides to de-escalate.’
He told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show: ‘Having spoken to President Trump i am absolutely clear that, for America, they want this to end in negotiations that see iran stop its destabilising activities.’
He repeated the UK intelligence assessment that it was ‘almost certain’ iran was behind the attacks. Mr Hunt said after studying evidence ‘ we don’t believe anyone else could have done this’.
Yesterday it was reported that 100 marines from 42 Commando based near Plymouth would form a rapid reaction force and operate from naval ships patrolling the region.
However, the claim was said by an MoD source to be ‘sensationalised’. The MoD said a group of between 20 to 30 troops were heading to the gulf on a routine training exercise – arranged for some time and not connected with the tanker attacks.
A spokesman stressed: ‘This is a pre-planned training deployment and is in no way related to the ongoing situation in the gulf of oman.’ Defence Minister Tobias ellwood warned iran that the UK was prepared to take action. He said: ‘i don’t think iran should be under any doubt that we will be determined to protect our assets and our interests in the region.’
Speaking on Sky’s Sophy ridge on Sunday, he blamed iran’s ‘negative influence’ for causing ‘extra tensions’ across the Midnificantly dle east and said the row with the US over a controversial nuclear deal was no excuse. Mr ellwood said: ‘i understand the frustrations over the nuclear deal but that does not give licence to start attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.’
Tensions between iran and the US have increased dramatically since Mr Trump took office. He abandoned a nuclear deal with iran that was brokered by the obama administration and sigtightened sanctions. President Trump last week insisted that iran was responsible for the attacks that involved limpet mines or missile blasts seriously damaging the Japaneseowned Kokuka Courageous and norwegian- owned Front Altair tankers.
Yesterday Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also issued a warning. He insisted: ‘We will not hesitate to deal with any threat to our people, sovereignty and vital interests.’ He added: ‘ iran is always the party that’s escalating in the region, carrying out terrorist attacks and criminal attacks either directly or through its militias.’
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said yesterday: ‘President Trump has done everything he can to avoid war. We don’t want war.’ He added that Washington will guarantee free navigation through vital shipping areas. He insisted: ‘The United States is going make sure that we take all the actions necessary, diplomatic and otherwise, that achieve that outcome.’
‘All sides must de-escalate’