US denies claims Iran thwarted American attempt to ‘steal’ oil tanker

By Kasim Ileri

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US on Wednesday rejected Iranian claims that it thwarted a US attempt to "steal" an oil tanker in the Sea of Oman.

A Pentagon official told Anadolu Agency the claims were "wrong" and US forces were "just monitoring” the vessel in the strategic waters.

"It occurred last week. Iran illegally boarded and seized the internationally-flagged vessel in international waters and took it back into Iranian waters," said the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

US forces tried to chase the tanker with warships and helicopters but failed to gain control, according to Iranian state media.

The tanker is currently docked in Iranian territorial waters.

It is the latest of many close encounters between the naval forces of Iran and the US in the Persian Gulf in recent years.

It comes amid simmering tensions between Tehran and Washington as both sides continue to dither on resuming nuclear deal talks.

*Servet Gunerigok contributed to the story