Two oil tankers were reportedly attacked in the Gulf of Oman Thursday. The incidents happened one month after four ships were damaged in the area, raising tensions between the United States and Iran. A U.S. Navy spokesman said in a statement “we are aware of the reported attack” and added U.S. ships in the area are helping after receiving calls for assistance. He did not say how the ships were attacked or who is suspected of carrying out the attack. International Tanker Management operates the Front Altair, one of the damaged tankers. The company told The Associated Press that it is investigating the cause of an explosion that resulted in a fire on the tanker. Bernhard Schulte Ship management operates Kokuka Courageous, the other ship involved. That company said the hull of its tanker was damaged in a “suspected attack.” Iranian state television said 44 sailors from the two tankers were rescued by other ships in the area. They were then brought to an Iranian port in the southern province of Hormozgan.
