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.
