According to a US official, an Israeli-owned ship was the target of a suspected Iranian attack in the Indian Ocean. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has raised tensions between the two nations.
The ship, identified as the MV Helios Ray, is a cargo vessel owned by an Israeli company. It was traveling from Saudi Arabia to Singapore when it was hit by an explosion, causing damage to the vessel’s hull. The crew was unharmed and the ship was able to continue its journey to its destination.
The US official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated that the attack was likely carried out by Iran. They also added that the US Navy is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond if necessary.
This suspected attack comes at a time of heightened tensions between Israel and Iran. The two nations have been engaged in a long-standing conflict, with Israel accusing Iran of supporting terrorist groups and seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Iran, on the other hand, has denied these allegations and has accused Israel of aggression and interference in the region.
The Israeli government has not yet officially commented on the incident, but Israeli media outlets have reported that the country’s defense establishment is closely monitoring the situation. The Israeli Defense Minister, Benny Gantz, has also stated that Israel will not tolerate any threats to its security and will respond accordingly.
The attack on the MV Helios Ray is not the first time that an Israeli-owned ship has been targeted in the region. In recent months, there have been several incidents of attacks on Israeli vessels, including an explosion on an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman in February.
The US and Israel have a strong alliance, and the US has been a vocal supporter of Israel’s right to defend itself against any threats. In a statement, the US State Department condemned the attack on the MV Helios Ray and called on Iran to cease its destabilizing activities in the region.
The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of international shipping in the region. The Indian Ocean is a major shipping route for global trade, and any disruption or threat to the safety of ships could have serious economic consequences.
The US and other countries have called for a thorough investigation into the attack on the MV Helios Ray and for those responsible to be held accountable. The US official also stated that the US will continue to work with its allies to ensure the safety and security of international shipping in the region.
In conclusion, the suspected Iranian attack on the Israeli-owned ship in the Indian Ocean has further escalated tensions between the two nations. The US has condemned the attack and has pledged to support Israel in defending itself against any threats. The incident also highlights the need for increased security measures in the region to protect international shipping.
