Attack on Tankers in Gulf of Oman Will Not Affect Energy Supply of Japan - Economy Minister

TOKYO (Sputnik) – The recent attacks on two oil tankers, carrying shipments to Japan, in the Gulf of Oman will not affect the energy supply of Japan, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshige Seko said Friday.

"There are no problems with the stable energy supply of Japan in connection with this event", Seko told a press conference as quoted by the NHK broadcaster.

Explosions hit the tankers Altair and Kokuka Courageous in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. According to Seko, the vessels were carrying "Japanese-related cargo".

While the cause of the blasts remains unknown, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claimed, citing assessment based on intelligence, that Iran was behind the attack.

Iran, for its part, has denied involvement in the incident, urging Washington and its allies to "stop warmongering" and stop carrying out false flag operations in the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the United States had not provided any evidence to substantiate its claims.