Iran had earlier described the Saviz as an aid in ‘anti-piracy’ efforts in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major chocolate in international shipping. Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh described the ship as a merchant vessel.
“Fortunately, no casualties have been reported … and technical investigations are underway,” Khatibzadeh said. “Our country will take all necessary measures by international authorities.”
In an earlier state TV statement, an anchor quoted a report from the New York Times, in which an anonymous US official was quoted as saying to the newspaper that Israel told America that he had an attack on the vessel has done. Israeli officials declined to comment on the attack when the Associated Press reported it, as did Saviz’s owner.
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz described Iran and his allies as a major threat, while refusing to say whether his country would launch the attack.
“Israel must continue to defend itself,” Gantz told reporters. “We will continue to act wherever we have an operational challenge and necessity.”
Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim, which is believed to be close to the guard, reported that a limp mine planted on Saviz’s hull caused the explosion. A limpet mine is a type of naval mine attached to the side of a ship, usually by a diver. It explodes later and can significantly damage a vessel. Iran did not blame anyone for the attack, saying Iranian officials were likely to provide more information in the coming days.
In a statement, the U.S. Army Central Command said only that it was aware of media reports of an incident involving the Saviz and that U.S. forces were not involved.
United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed his concern over the Saviz incident and called on the parties involved, including countries in the region, to exercise maximum self-control and not to take steps and in particular to fulfill their obligations under international law. ”
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also called the “Wish Talks” a “success” on Wednesday as he spoke to his cabinet.
“Today, one united statement is heard that all sides of the nuclear deal have come to the conclusion that there is no better solution than the agreement,” he said.
A European diplomat with knowledge of the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed door meeting in Vienna honestly, acknowledged that events from outside could affect the negotiations.
“We hope that every action, whether from (nuclear power) parties or external parties, will not undermine the dynamics,” he said.