Blinken, Raab Pledge to Respond to the Attack on the Israeli Ship
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The US Minister of Foreign Affairs Antony Blinken denounces the attack on “Mercer Street” ship and pledges to coordinate with the US allies. On his part, the UK Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, describes the attack as “unlawful and callous".
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Blinked: the response to the attack is forthcoming
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, denounced in a statement the attack on the "Mercer Street" oil tanker, describing that the tanker is "a trade ship that was sailing peacefully northern the Arabian sea in the international waters."
"Upon review of the available information, the United States is convinced that Iran carried out the deadly drone attack," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, adding that Iran is increasingly employing a lethal capability throughout the region.
Furthermore, Blinken stated, "There is no justification for this attack, which follows a pattern of attacks and other belligerent behavior. These actions threaten freedom of navigation through this crucial waterway, international shipping and commerce, and the lives of those on the vessels involved."
"We are working with our partners to consider our next steps and consulting with governments inside the region and beyond on an appropriate response, which will be forthcoming," the Secretary added.
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab stated that "The UK condemns the unlawful and callous attack committed on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman, which killed a British and a Romanian nationals."
"We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran," Raab claimed, pointing out that "the UK is working with our international partners on a concerted response to this unacceptable attack."
"Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law," he added.
On Friday, the Maritime Security website, Dryad, affirmed Israeli media reports regarding the attack on an oil tanker off the Oman Coast using a drone.
