US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the world cannot allow “impunity” in the aftermath of a fatal attack by Iran on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman.
On July 30 a drone strike on Israeli-operated oil tanker the MV Mercer Street killed two British and Romanian crewmembers. Investigations led by US Central Command later established the drone was Iranian-made.
Speaking at a virtual UN Security Council meeting on Monday, Blinken said the assault was "part of a pattern of attacks and other provocative behavior" by the regime.
"It is on all of our nations to hold accountable those responsible,” he said. “Failing to do so will only fuel their sense of impunity and embolden others inclined to disregard the maritime order.”
The attack was condemned last week in a joint statement by the G7 countries and the European Union, which stated: ”This was a deliberate and targeted attack, and a violation of international law. All available evidence clearly points to Iran.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has denied responsibility for the attack, even as an Arabic-language arm of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting claimed it had been carried out in reprisal to an attack on Iran-backed militants in Syria.
Related coverage:
Experts: Iranian 'Kamikaze' Drone Used in Fatal Strike on Commercial Tanker
Tehran Blamed for Fatal, Third Attack on an Israeli Commercial Vessel
MV Mercer Street Attack Puts Spotlight on IRGC's Secretive Drone Unit
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