Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Update: Just as everyone with half a frontal lobe had expected, the WSJ reported late on Monday that according to an initial U.S. assessment, “Iran was likely behind the attack” on the two Saudi Arabian oil tankers and two other vessels damaged over the weekend near the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official said, a finding that, whether confirmed or not, will certainly inflame military tensions in the Gulf and likely result in a global proxy war that drags in the US, China and Russia. Oh, and that would be the Persian Gulf for those wondering, not the Gulf of Tonkin, which is where another famous False Flag naval incident occurred.
Furthermore, as we predicted would happen on Sunday, this “official assessment”, was the first suggestion by any nation that Iran was responsible for the attack and follows a series of U.S. warnings against “aggression” by Iran or its allies and proxies against military or commercial vessels in the region. Some more details from the WSJ:
The U.S. official, who declined to be identified, didn’t offer details about what led to the assessment or its implications for a possible U.S. response. The U.S. has said in the past week that it was sending an aircraft carrier, an amphibious assault ship, a bomber task force and an antimissile system to the region after it alleged intelligence showed Iran posed a threat to its troops.
“If they do anything, they will suffer greatly. We’ll see what happens with Iran,” President Trump said while meeting with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the White House earlier on Monday.
The assessment, predictable from a mile away, squares perfectly with CIA veteran Mike Pompeo’s warning from just two days before the alleged attack, in which he said that “The regime in Tehran should understand that any attacks by them or their proxies of any identity against US interests or citizens will be answered with a swift and decisive US response,” the US Secretary of State wrote in a statement warning that Iran should not mistake US “restraint” for a “lack of resolve,” and criticizing Iran for “an escalating series of threatening actions and statements in recent weeks.”
Two days later Iran – according to US officials – staged the most brazen attack on oil tankers in the Straits of Hormuz in years.
Of course, Iran would have to be utterly irrational to provoke such a sequence of events that culminates with a US campaign against it; so irrational in fact, as to be on par with the false flag chemical attacks staged by the “democratic powers” in Syria on various occasions, whose only purpose was to provoke the Trump administration into launching what were ultimately unsuccessful “regime change” air strikes.
That said, at this point we would urge readers to go long Brent call spreads, or outright calls, as it now appears that the Trump administration is fully intent on launching a “limited” military confrontation with Iran. Which, considering that Iran’s biggest geopolitical backers are China and Russian, will be anything but limited.
* * *
Despite now near daily anti-Iran bluster coming out of Washington, fueling rising US-Iran tensions, and now with a major “incident” involving the reported “sabotage” attack on Saudi and UAE-docked oil tankers from an unknown perpetrator, leaders in Tehran do not see war on the horizon. Interestingly, the incident involving the Saudi tankers at the Emirates’ port of Fujairah on Sunday came a mere days after the US warned that “Iran or its proxies” could attack commercial vessels in the region — though there’s yet to be blame officially cast over the latest mysterious incident.
Instead, Iran does see possible desperate attempts at a Psyop in the works: “The US military forces’ deployment in the Persian Gulf is more of the nature of psychological warfare. They are not ready for a war, specially when Israel is within our range,” Iranian Parliament’s Vice-Speaker Ali Motahhari said on Sunday after a closed door session with MPs, according to FARS news agency.
But the specific mention of Israel as being “within our range” marks a significant counter-threat which could easily make war a reality, now also given the Persian Gulf region is on edge after Saudi Arabia said overnight that two of its oil tankers were attacked while headed near the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile the US Department of Energy says it’s “monitoring the oil markets, and is confident they remain well-supplied” amid fears there are efforts to “disrupt shipping,” according to Bloomberg.
Norwegian oil tanker Andrea Victory, one of the four tankers damaged in alleged “sabotage attacks.” Via the AFP
The Saudis said in the aftermath of the still mysterious incident there was “significant damage to the structures of the two vessels” — identified by shipping monitors as the Amjad and crude tanker Al Marzoqah. Other tankers were also reported damaged in the UAE’s Fujairan port.
Later in the day Monday, images and footage began to appear online via Middle East news sources purporting to show damage from the “sabotage attack” of unknown origin on multiple international vessels.
Second Video from #Fujairah incident shows damage to 1/2 Saudi oil tankers Al Marzoqah. Earlier video showed Norwegian vessel damaged. 4 vessels affected near #UAE: pic.twitter.com/It1KFMr4si
— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) May 13, 2019
And in predictable fashion, the Gulf Sunni dominated Arab League jumped in to back Saudi Arabia’s use of “all measures” to safeguard their security, per the AP:
The head of the Arab League has condemned attacks that targeted vessels off the coast of the United Arab Emirates the previous day, including two Saudi oil tankers, as “criminal acts.”
Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said in a statement on Monday that these acts are a “serious violation of the freedom and integrity of trade and maritime transport routes.”
He says the Arab League stands by the UAE and Saudi Arabia “in all measures taken to safeguard their security and interests.”
Senior State Dept. official Brian Hook responded with “no comment” when asked if Iran was to blame for the alleged attacks on the commercial vessels near the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Hours after, President Trump weighed in by warning Iran against any “provocation” or else the country “will suffer greatly” if conflict breaks out with the US. Trump told reporters while meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the White House:
“We’ll see what happens with Iran. If they do anything it’ll be a very bad mistake, if they do anything.”
Though so far it appears minor, the sabotage incident could signal the start of a Gulf of Tonkin type incident in the Persian Gulf, which would ultimately force Iran into a direct confrontation with the US and its regional allies, given also the ease with which any major event which disrupts shipping — and impacting global oil markets — would immediately be blamed on Iran, and uncritically spread through global and western media.
#BREAKING The Norwegian ship "André Victoria", which was subjected to subversive acts in the #Fujairah against four ships near the territorial waters of the #UAE, received a powerful blow that almost led her to sank, according to a video footage obtained by Russia Today pic.twitter.com/Nl15pFt81P
— EHA News (@eha_news) May 13, 2019
Seeming to be well aware of such a possibility, Iran on Monday urged caution and even directly suggested the events could be false-flag provocations designed to draw regional enemies into conflict. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said on Monday the incidents were “alarming and regrettable,” and urged that more details were needed.
He further warned against “plots by ill-wishers to disrupt regional security” and called for “vigilance of regional states in the face of any adventurism by foreign elements.”
via The Daily Mail
Last week the US deployed a carrier strike group to the region and further has a B-52 bomber group monitoring the skies over the Persian Gulf from al Udeid airbase in Qatar.
While the Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has also dismissed the recent US military build-up as “nothing but psychological warfare”, saying that “the US lacks power and does not dare to start a war against Iran,” it has also said its finger is on the trigger, ready to respond to any aggressive acts.
Here’s to hoping that Iran’s anti-shipping missiles are up to the job. Nothing spells embarrassment to the US government more then the USN losing an aircraft carrier to the bottom of the Indian Ocean.
the blessed nation of Iran will always be triumphant – they have God as their mightiest defender
Throughout history God only helps those with the biggest battalions or the smartest commander. To ask him to do the fighting for you is not really a winning strategy. If you have to pray for divine help you clearly did not do your military preparations right.
Oh really? Who is winning in yemen right now, saudis or houthis? Who has the biggest battalions and smartest commanders? God works in mysterious ways
The Houthis obviously have smarter commanders, knowing how to use their strengths to offplay their weaknesses. They are also extremely well motivated. The Saudi’s don’t even have bad commanders, only lazy commanders. That’s why their army is the worst in the world. Who all much prefer to be in some club with air conditioning enjoying a cold drink with their good meal, anything but to be out in the sticks in hot and dirty Yemen. The real mystery is not that the Saudi’s are losing to the Houthi’s, the real mystery is why the Houthi’s haven’t won already.
God has nothing to do with it. God only helps those who help themselves. Waiting for God to help you is a recipe for disaster. But I’m sure there’s always someone who just got lucky. There’s always a lottery winner, always some guy who smoked two packs a day and lived to be a 100. I wouldn’t plan my life on being lucky though.
and iran has been helping itself for many many years, so God will come rushing to its help :)))
You’re ascribing to divine help which can easily be explained to human resourcefulness. Again, God helps those who help themselves. As in you put in a good effort, you stand a greater chance of success then those who put in no effort and hope some divine being will save their asses.
Does not matter wht u say, Iran will ALWAYS be triumphant
I hope they will as I might visit the country in the summer. I still think that fortune favors the prepared.
and iran is more prepared than anyone
what god is that, who get involved in human wars and bless their genocides and killing of innocent? Stop believing in illusions and man make believes.
That is my God, that defends and strengthens the weak from bullies and favors believers over non-believers like yourself
I see…. so you have your own private god. Well what ever help you thought the day.
he is the God that created the universe, makes miracles, etc.
k what ever you say.
“Just as everyone with half a frontal lobe had expected” my sentiments exactly, lmao
Iran is not Iraq and this isn’t 1980.
False flags staged by Israel and/or the US regime to initiate a war on Iran will have unintended consequences on the attackers. Personally for me, there would be the positive result of removing the terrorist entity and supporter of terrorism, Israel, from the face of the Earth. Oh and if anyone has ever doubted Israel supports terrorism, one can readily find much proof in Syria. Of course Israel has been terrorizing the Palestinians for over 70 years. They especially love terrorizing Palestinian children, for it makes them feel manly. As for the Empire, the result will be to prove to the world once and for all that no Empire lasts forever.
agree
This makes little sense for Iran to have done this what do they gain from it – its more likely the usual suspects ratcheting up tensions.
I agree false flag by usual suspect.
If Iran would have blown up ship, it would be west of the straights not east. East is easily sub accessible.
This was another false flag 9/11. I have mentioned before that American terrorists are in the region they will definitely invade Iran.
Iran must be vigilant and in case of any move of American terrorists just destroy their AC carriers, navies vessels and shoot down their toyes from the air.
The americans are so desperate, in case of an escalation they would launch millions of their own soldiers coffins into the country persian gulf, if it only would mean damaging the opponents naval fleet.
It’s mind blowing, how less of a value a human life has in the perspective of the US-Command.
Have you considered the value if your not white and not anglo?
Do not believe that these aristocrats distinguish between creatures at all; their ignorance only allows them to care for themselves
Its hard not to beleive it when you see it alot.
But you are correct, the ignorant leaders care for themselves. One must never forget that.
Im talking lower in the command, not the top.
Have you ever spoken to an Afgan war veteran? Im not calling you out, your reply was wiser than I expected, im just fed up with the toxic fascism that thrives at the bottom of western society that no one wants to admit to. You know how many times I had to say cool it Adolf last summer?
Fascist tendencies only exists, because the aristocrats can introduce new actors on the stage of this cabaret, better know as political process. As for analysis, there’s a lot of narcissistic nazisim under the surface of our generation
Bibi doesn’t have a problem with that.
If that will block the oil export of OPEC the huge price would help both USA and Russia
There are Russia and China. America will be failed again in their own conspiracies. LOL
on your 2nd para – hope you are right! will work for that and be a proud anti-zionist! and at every opportunity demand the quick end of the squatters’ occupation of the land they have no rights what so ever to.
2019 is the same year Russia falls too .
‘tonto’ translates to ‘silly’ or ‘pussy.’
I heard Pompeo had volunteered to be used as a rag to clean the Russian oil pipes that were sabotaged?
A FRIEND IN THE KNOW EMAILED ME THIS FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Iran’s special marine unit sabotaged tankers. Fujairah was outside US, Saudi, UAE purview/May 13, 2019
A special unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards marine force carried out the sabotage attack Sunday on 4 Saudi oil tankers outside Fujairah port.
Iran chose this venue in the Gulf of Oman waters of the UAE for its first proactive strike against US sanctions, because it is way off the beaten track of Gulf oil export routes.
There were two other reasons: (a) To show the US and Gulf oil nations that Tehran doesn’t need to block the Strait of Hormuz in order to disrupt the Gulf’s oil exports to international markets. (b) The UAE has built the new Habshan-Fujairah oil pipeline there for the purpose of circumventing the Strait of Hormuz. By striking Fujairah, the Iranians demonstrated that alternative shipping routes are just as vulnerable to Iranian attack as the Gulf of Hormuz.
There was a direct hit to the Norwegian-flagged Andre Victoria oil tanker which was almost scuttled.
Although war tensions between US and Iran were mounting sharply, Western & Gulf intelligence services were caught off-guard by the location of the Iranian attack and its precise targeting.
It is now estimated that Tehran carefully calibrated the blasts to cause damage while falling short of sinking the vessels or inflicting casualties.
nah – wrong, mossad and cia in cooperation.
and scuttling is when someone onboard opens the bottom valves to sink the vessel for, say insurance purposes.
tell your friend to stop watching holyshit movies and is very far from the know as to what is happening and have happen.
What ‘weapon’ did they use, it doesn’t look anything like a blast mark.
I’m hypothesizing an ‘inert’ torpedo.
A torpedo even without a warhead causes a lot more damage than the damage in the pics.
It would penetrate the hull quite a way, and would most likely get stuck in the hole.
mossad fixes the damages in tight cooperation with cia and then, tonkin bay repeat, blames the party they are after, iran. adolf hitler, like his contemporary nazis in the white house, used the same tactic of false flag operations. hitler hoisted marinus van der lubbe on meathooks and that was it. the world society ought to hoist the perpetrator of this shameful act, benjamin netanyahu, on meathooks too and allow the crows to feast on him. his not worth another thought. his desperate acts are signs of the desperation within the squatters nazi-circles when the eu refuses to abide by the siren calls of fatso and bolton and so on.
boycott the eurovision song contest in tel aviv and make it the most miserable performance of any country since it started in 1956. and given the squatters preferred mode of interaction with its contemoraries of lies and cheating and murders and thievery and destruction, it’s likely the squatter’s win was a fraud from get go.
Obviously a false flag job, but not serious enough to force Trump’s hand. Rather it gives him the option of barking and biting (a military attack after the usual MSM theatrics reminiscent of the build up to the Iraq war) or of posing as a magnanimous statesman. Problem for him is the U.S. is now drowning in debt and can’t afford a war with Iran, the main reason for his impatience to bully China into a trade deal on his terms. Wonder if Netanyahu realises that such a war will mean the end of Israel as well?
Are we looking at torpedo or even rocket assisted torpedoes hits, but without a warhead? (inert) Valfajr (torpedo) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valfajr_(torpedo)
Water depth in port would allow recovery of any inert projectile. Cui bono? Certainly not Iran… probably false flag job to cause more trouble between Iran and the Gulf countries.
Iran “Hoot” supercavitation underwater one ton torpedo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83mDZrAyWbc
Iran’s Hoot / Russia’s Shkval https://fas.org/nuke/guide/iran/missile/hoot/index.html
What conserns me, isnt this anymore, the Impisses of the banana republic have moved it to the next ug….. stage, you know, 5.5 d cheeshs or something, and have an sack of orange cryptonit yapping anything happening from now on is an attack upon the piss loving wankeestanians, on the other side of the globe, of course. ISISrael, is more intresting, small country, tight packed, and for an Gazan, an flat out burning down of ISISrael witch I see as likely, will not change mutch, since they are there already, but the total sum of cockery and ignorance will never the less dawn even for an deaf and dumb ISISraeli, but then, its to late. The Saudis, is an even lesser problem, wack the head and you have friend for the rest of enternity, the Saudi-barbasians running it now, if not turning, will be gone.
What is the left is the Imparial banana republic, and of course, they can charf out an lott of bombes etc, to cruice missiles, for days, and then what, when aireal accsess can be denied, an counter part with arms to inflict massive scale damages, to me an carrier is medival already, etc.
But I never will underetstemate the stupidity, ignorance, weaponised stupidity to PhD level, and pure greed hooned thru centurys of wars and imperialism, all the idiot propaganda the pirates on Potomac can muster, lies invented to have it their way, the Wolfowitch doctrine, they are after all, an empire, chapice, may way or Huawei. Full spectrum dominace. And wheres the f….. balls to go against the raving loonies from the PentaGoons, huh, yeah, they are pobably hiding deep into mountain sides, yeah, easy to be cocky, isnt it.
peace
Folks…… this is very serious… no time for bs any more…….all bs rhetoric..leave it in the toilet…….
ANY MILITARY CONFRONTATION between IRAN and the USA will lead to a global nuclear war.PERIOD!!!
Iran is a 80+ Million Nation….with a very capable Military espeically in the Department of ballistic Missiles and drones. Here Comes the Logical part now…….
It is IMPOSSIBLE for the USA Military to win a CONVENTIONAL war against Iran. Winning would mean… 1. Iran will unconditionally surrender or 2. USA Ground Forces march into Teheran
Both possibilities are an ILLUSION and i wont even try to explain why those 2 possibilities are an Illusion.either u have a brain or u dont.
In case of a war, the USA Forces, thousands of miles from home only have 2 Options to attack FROM….
Aircraft carriers/destroyers from SEA or via Missiles and Aircraft from LAND stationed in Saudi Arabia, Qatar,Bahrain and Afghanistan.
Iran on the contrary is a Nation with 1.648,195 km2 and a Population of 81 Million.
As soon as the war starts, all US sea bases(Aircraft carriers and destroyers) will be targeted, and sooner than later will get hit.All USA land bases in the middle east will be targeted and sooner than later will be hit.
And thats were the danger for all of us will beginn…… an empire loosing on all fronts, and finally after bombing and invading dozens of other nations and murdering millions will suffer thousands of dead and billions of Military Hardware destroyed has 2 Options……
1. accept 2.denial
Does anyone here believe that this american scum will ACCEPT defeat??????????????????????? NO… well then there is ONLY 1 Option left… the nuclear Option…. and they will take it……. which will lead firstly to a complete breakdown of the Worlds economy and later on to a nuclear Exchange between east and west.
This is the jewish plan…… the total destruction of western and eastern civilization..to finally complete their divine fucked up sick satanic Evil plan of a one world governmnet, with Jerusalem as its capital under satanic jewish Leadership.
ps. cut the bs with who will win…. there will be NO WINNER…. exept the fucking dirty satanic Evil shit of the universe jews!!
There won’t be an Israel left for the clown ding to sit on his throne. Perhaps Mossad’s new settlement in Patagonia.
Well of course the US will blame Iran, or Russia or China. Everything that goes wrong in America is caused by the above 3. Americas problems have nothing to do with the Orange Monkey and his hammer.
In 1988 the US shot down an Iranian passenger plane killing all onboard. The US refused to apologize and even blamed Iran. 6 months later Iran blew up an American passenger plane killing all onboard. The US could not admit the real story, because the US media had buried the American crime, and admitting that Iran would retaliate against US aggression did not fit with the we are the champions of the world meme that America is so fond of. So they framed Libya and killed a bunch of folks.
It seems like the US has forgotten that Iran will seek, and get revenge for every Iranian life lost to American exceptionalism.