TOKYO, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Japan is working on a plan to send about 270 seamen to the Middle East to guard ships supplying Japan under a law that allows military deployments for research and intelligence gathering, the Nikkei business daily said. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering a January visit to the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, … [Read more...]
World Powers Tie Up for Naval Force to Police Mideast Oil Routes
By Verity Ratcliffe (Bloomberg) --A U.S.-led coalition created to secure sea lines vital to oil shipping in the Middle East formally launched operations in the most concerted international response yet to months of tensions in the region. Formed in response to a series of attacks on vessels and onshore facilities that some coalition members blamed on Iran, the International … [Read more...]
UK Lowers Security Level for its Ships in Strait of Hormuz
LONDON, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Britain lowered its security risk level for UK-flagged ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, more than a month after one of its tankers was finally released from detention by Iran. The Stena Impero was seized in July by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the Strait, a major oil shipping route, for alleged marine violations two weeks … [Read more...]
Saudi Arabia Joins U.S.-Led Gulf Naval Mission
By Abbas Al Lawati (Bloomberg) --Saudi Arabia joined a U.S.-led coalition to secure sea lines vital to oil shipping in the Middle East in the aftermath of a devastating attacks on Aramco’s oil facilities. The International Maritime Security Construct’s area of operation covers the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical waterway for oil supplies, the Strait of Bab … [Read more...]
Iran Rejects U.S. Claim it was Behind Saudi Oil Strikes
By Rania El Gamal and Parisa Hafezi DUBAI, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Iran dismissed accusations by the United States that it was behind attacks on Saudi oil plants that risk disrupting global energy supplies and warned on Sunday that U.S. bases and aircraft carriers in the region were in range of its missiles. Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for Saturday's attacks that … [Read more...]