Oil Tanker Attacks: GCC countries call for international intervention

World
Europe

While the United States, the UK and Saudi Arabia accuse Iran of the oil tanker attacks, most countries in Europe say they are not convinced. They're calling for a UN investigation. Meanwhile, some of Saudi Arabia's allies in the Gulf Cooperation Council are calling for international action. Our correspondent Adel EL Mahrouky reports from Dubai.

Gulf cooperation council nations have summoned regional leaders for emergency summits, following the first attacks on oil tanks last month. Now that the attacks have been repeated, they are calling the international community to intervene. Already USA and the UK have increased their naval presence in the gulf, tension is once again growing here.

AHMED BAN POLITICAL ANALYST "The region is entering a form of decisive measures against Iranian threats. A month ago when the Fujairah oil tankers were attacked it appeared that the global reaction was somewhat passive. Now that may have led to the second attacks. The move of the US and UK naval units is a clear message that they will deal firmly with any threat to navigation security in the region."

These recent moves have revived an old White House idea of forming an international coalition against Iran. Analysts say with lack of evidence Europe may remain reluctant to join.

AHMED BAN POLITICAL ANALYST "Forming an international coalition appears to be important, for the coming period. But division among the Europeans, with exception to Britain, may stand in the way. Europe was welcoming the Nuclear deal, despite that it enabled Iran to maximize its gains, I think that international reluctance could change, once there is proof of Iran's involvement in the attacks."

That's still why several regional powers in the Middle East, including UAE itself, have not yet accused Iran for the attacks on the oil vessels.

ADEL EL MAHROUKY DUBAI, UAE "With the statements from the west getting firmer and calls from Gulf countries for international intervention, it seems that the GCC countries will not tolerate anyone further tampering with the security in the region. Adel EL Mahrouky CGTN DUBAI, UAE."