Asahi reported that according to an Iranian media outlet, President Rouhani commented during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday on the recent tanker attacks in the Gulf of Oman by saying: “Iran made utmost efforts to rescue the tanker crew. Instead of expressing appreciation for these humanitarian operations, the United States and its partners are waging a political campaign around the world.” The Iranian leader reportedly denied the U.S. claim that his country was behind the attacks by saying: “Precisely because Iran has built close relations with Japan and China, somebody instigated the attacks while the Japanese prime minister was visiting Tehran.”