G7 blames Iran for the attack on Israeli-linked oil tanker

Yesterday the most developed countries in the world released a statement blaming Iran. According to the United States, the drone that attacked the ship in the Gulf of Oman in late July killing two people was Iranian-made. Tehran has denied responsibility while Iran’s new president, Ebrahim Raisi, took office two days ago.

Tehran (AsiaNews/Agencies) – According to the G7 foreign ministers, Iran is behind the drone attack against an Israeli-linked oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman.

“This was a deliberate and targeted attack, and a clear violation of international law … There is no justification for this attack,” the ministers from the world’s seven most developed nations said in a statement on Friday.

Managed by an Israeli firm, the Liberian-flagged ship, the Mercer Street, but, was hit by a drone on 29 July. Two crew members were killed.

Iran has denied any involvement; however, several members of the UN Security Council blamed the Islamic Republic yesterday during a closed-door session.

“The door for diplomacy and dialogue remains open. But if Iran chooses not to take that route, then we would seek to hold Iran to account and apply a cost to that,” the UK ambassador to the UN said.

Next Monday, the Security Council is set to further discuss the matter at a meeting on maritime security. 

Following the attack, the United States and Israel accused Tehran of being responsible.

Based on evidence collected so far, the drone was Iranian-made, US military sources said.

The current tensions coincide with the inauguration of the new Iranian president. Ebrahim Raisi, a former chief justice, took office on Wednesday, replacing Hassan Rouhani who was seen as a more moderate figure.

• iran
• united nations
• united states
• israel
• security council
• g7
• gulf of oman
• hassan Rouhani
• ebrahim raisi
• mercer street