US blames Iran for attacks on ships in Gulf of Oman

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The U.S. on Thursday formally blamed Iran for attacks on two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made the accusation during brief remarks to reporters at the State Department.

The top diplomat said the assessment is based on intelligence, weapons used, level of expertise needed to carry out the attacks, as well as other recent attacks on ships in the region the U.S. has blamed on Iran.

"No proxy group operating in the area has the resources and proficiency to act with such a high degree of sophistication," he said. "This is only the latest in a series of attacks instigated by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its surrogates against American and allied interests."

He did not take questions.