DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Maritime security companies say a suspicious object was found in the hull of an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf, off the coast of Iraq.
The companies say the authorities fear it could be a limpet mine on MT Pola, although the Liberian-flagged tanker received assistance on Thursday in the Persian Gulf near Basra.
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The two companies, Ambrey Intelligence and Dryad Global, say the investigations are ongoing.
UK Maritime Trade Operations, an organization of the British Royal Navy, claims to be “aware of an ongoing situation” without giving further details.
The 5th US Navy Fleet, which patrols the Middle East, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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The incident comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States. In 2019, the United States blamed Iran for a series of lapa mine attacks on oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all world oil passes. Iran denies being involved.