US denounces Iranian regime for attack on Mercer Street tanker, promises “appropriate and imminent response”

The United States indicted Iran on Sunday for the deadly attack on an oil tanker run by an Israeli billionaire off the coast of Oman., which Tehran denies.

“After examining the available information, we are convinced that Iran carried out this attack,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

The “Mercer Street” tanker was attacked with a drone on Thursday in the northern Indian Ocean, in an operation which left two crew members dead, a Briton and a Romanian.

“We are working with our partners to review our next steps and consult with governments inside and outside the region on an appropriate response.Blinken added.

For its part, The UK has also joined with the US and Israel in claiming that Iran carried out the deadly drone attack on the tanker in the Arabian Sea near Oman., increasing pressure on Tehran while denying its involvement in the attack.

Calling it an “unlawful and ruthless attack”British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said his country and its allies were planning a coordinated response to Thursday night’s attack on the tanker Mercer Street. This is the first fatal attack in question after years of attacks on commercial shipping in the region associated with tensions with Iran over its broken nuclear deal..

Although no one claimed responsibility for the attack, the Iranian regime and its allied militias have used “suicide” drones in previous attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s comments at a Sunday cabinet meeting were bolder, as he stared into the camera and slowly warned: “We know how to get the message across to Iran in our own way. “.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid spoke with his American counterpart, Antony Blinken, “The attack on the ship in the Gulf of Oman, the joint activity against Iranian terrorism and the formulation of an international and effective response” against Tehransaid the statement.

As specified, this organization activated diplomatic channels “in all relevant contexts” and in several countries “to promote” an “international condemnation and response” to last Thursday’s aggression against an oil tanker sailing near Oman. The ship, named “Mercer Street” and owned by Japan, is managed by the Israeli company Zodiac Maritime, owned by the Israeli Eyal Ofer.

The drone attack opened a hole in the top of the tanker’s deck, where the captain and crew steer the ship, said a US official who requested anonymity as the investigation was still ongoing.

The Arabian Sea lies between Iran and Oman and there is the strategic strait of Hormuz, through which it passes much of the world’s oil and where a US-led coalition is also present.

Ten years ago, ships sailing in the region were under attack from pirates, but these incidents have declined considerably in recent years, following the intensification of naval patrols in several countries.

(With information from AFP and AP)

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