Navy explosives expert: Mines used in tanker attack have ‘striking resemblance’ to Iranian weapons

A Navy explosives expert on Wednesday said that mines allegedly used to attack an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz bear “a striking resemblance” to mines featured in Iranian military parades. 

“The limpet mine that was used does bear a striking resemblance to that which has been publicly displayed in Iranian military parades,” said Cmdr. Sean Kido, according to The Associated Press. “There are distinguishing features.”

{mosads}He declined to elaborate further on the matter. He did say that the damage done to a Japanese tanker was “not consistent with an external flying object hitting the ship.” The owner of the vessel has said the damage was caused by “flying objects.”

Iran’s United Nations mission declined to comment on the latest development and referred reporters to statements by Iranian Defense Minister Gen. Amir Hatami, according to the AP. Hatami said that accusations that Iran was involved in the strike on the oil tankers are “totally a lie” aimed at hurting the country’s reputation.

He also questioned the authenticity of a video released by U.S. authorities that they said show Iranian forces removing a mine from one of the ships. 

“The date and the location shown in the footage have not been authenticated,” he told the semi-official Fars news agency.

The Americans “can show any footage … but it cannot be used as evidence,” he said. 

U.S. officials have blamed Iran for the attack in which Tehran has denied involvement. The Trump administration announced Monday that it would send 1,000 troops to the Middle East following the incident.