Israel blames Iran for drone attack on oil tanker off Oman

JERUSALEM

Israel on Wednesday blamed Iran for a drone attack against an oil tanker owned by an Israeli billionaire off the coast of Oman.

Israeli Army radio said the attack was carried out by an explosive-laden drone, but without providing any further details.

The broadcaster quoted a senior Israeli security official as saying that Tehran was behind the attack.

According to the official, the oil tanker is operated by a Singapore-based company owned by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer.

The Eastern Pacific Shipping company, the owner of the tanker, said the attack took place on Tuesday evening where the vessel was "hit by a projectile" 150 miles (240 kilometers) from the coast of Oman.

It said the tanker was carrying a gas oil cargo and that the attack did not cause any leaks or injuries among its crew, but suffered minor damage.

There was no comment from Iran on the Israeli accusation.

Israel had blamed Iran several times for targeting Israeli vessels, accusations that were denied by Tehran.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar