The Iranian Navy's largest warship caught fire and sank under mysterious circumstances in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported from its bureau in Tehran.
According to Iranian state media, the 680-foot vessel caught fire around 2 a.m. near the port of Jask, and could not be salvaged by firefighters attempting to control the blaze. Hundreds of sailors and cadets were evacuated, with 33 suffering injuries. Iranian officials are said to be investigating the cause of the mysterious mishap.
The incident occurred as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces the most significant challenge of his political career. An unlikely coalition of opposition parties is attempting to meet a June 2 deadline that would end his reign as the Jewish state's longest-serving prime minister.
Netanyahu, who is waging a last-ditch effort to retain power, did not return the Associated Press's request for comment on the sunk Iranian warship. The media company has come under fire in recent weeks for sharing office space with Hamas, the Iranian-funded Palestinian terrorist organization.
Earlier this week, Netanyahu reiterated his determination to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, even if it causes "friction" with the Biden administration. President Joe Biden, meanwhile, has expressed an interest in reviving the Obama-era nuclear agreement with the Islamic Republic.
Netanyahu's remarks came during a swearing-in ceremony for Mossad chief David Barnea, who said Iran's nuclear ambitions "will continue to be met with the full power of the long arm of the Mossad."
UPDATE: What may or may not turn out to be Netanyahu's last hurrah continues to rage with the heat of a massive fire at an Iranian oil refinery. Former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes was unable to comment on account of his violent sobbing over the misfortune that has befallen his friends.
Massive fire at/near Tehran's oil refinery. More details to follow pic.twitter.com/O7Hj0ofQ0m
— Reza Khaasteh (@Khaaasteh) June 2, 2021