Iran summons UK envoy over 'unfounded' oil tanker attack claims

The British foreign ministry has denied a report that the UK's ambassador in Tehran has been summoned over comments blaming Iran for the latest tanker attacks.

The crude oil tanker Front Altair on fire in the Gulf of Oman, 13 June 2019. Source: AAP

Iran has summoned the British ambassador to Tehran after London blamed it for attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, the semi-official Students News Agency ISNA reported.

The British government denies the claim.

"During the meeting with Iran's foreign ministry official, Iran strongly condemned the unfounded allegations and criticised Britain's unacceptable stance regarding the attacks in the Gulf of Oman," ISNA said.

The crude oil tanker Front Altair on fire in the Gulf of Oman, 13 June 2019. Source: AAP

The ambassador was asked for an explanation and correction after Britain was the only nation to echo US accusations, it reported.

A British foreign ministry official said the report was wrong and the ambassador has not been summoned.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt issued a statement on Friday blaming Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for the attacks, saying no other state or non-state actor could have been responsible.

Jeremy Hunt earlier blamed Iran over the attacks. Source: AAP

Iran has denied any involvement.

The attacks have raised fears of a confrontation in the vital oil shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz at a time of increased tension between Iran and the United States.