Iran accuses Israel of sabotage attack after explosions strike a natural gas pipeline
By JON GAMBRELL
Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s oil minister claims an Israeli sabotage attack on an Iranian natural gas pipeline caused multiple explosions last week. Oil Minister Javad Owji made the allegation Wednesday as Israel has been blamed for a series of attacks targeting Tehran’s nuclear program. Israel has not acknowledged carrying out the attack. However, the claim further raises tensions between the regional archenemies against the backdrop of Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Feb. 14 blasts hit a natural gas pipeline running from Iran’s western Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province north to cities on the Caspian Sea.