US Navy Expert: Tanker Attack Mine Resembles Iranian Mines

The mines used to attack a Japanese-owned oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz last week bore “a striking resemblance” to similar mines displayed by Iran.

Cmdr. Sean Kido of the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet speaks to journalists at a 5th Fleet Base, during a trip organized by the Navy for journalists, near Fujairah, United Arab Emirates on June 19, 2019. Kamran Jebreili/Photo via AP

FUJAIRAH, United Arab Emirates—The limpet mines used to attack a Japanese-owned oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz last week bore “a striking resemblance” to similar mines displayed by Iran, a U.S. Navy explosives expert said Wednesday, stopping short of directly blaming Tehran for the assault.

Iran has denied being involved in the attack last Thursday that hit the Japanese tanker Kokuka Courageous and also the Norwegian-owned Front Altair.