US officials now say they are unsure whether an oil tanker that disappeared in the Gulf was seized or rescued by Iran. Adding to the mystery, the UAE has refuted claims that the oil tanker belongs to them and said there were no Emirati crew on board. Iran's foreign ministry told state media in the Islamic Republic that its forces had aided a foreign oil tanker which developed a malfunction. The UAE refuted reports the ship was theirs, stating: 'The tanker in question is neither owned nor operated by the UAE. Mysterious attacks on oil tankers and Iran shooting down a US military surveillance drone has added to the fears of an armed conflict breaking out.

Source: Daily Mail July 17, 2019 10:20 UTC