An attack on the MV Mercer Street may be the latest step in rising tensions between Israel and Iran. According to Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, there is some indication via evidence that Iran is responsible for the incident that occurred on Thursday, July 29, 2021 off the coast of Oman and killed two aboard. Meanwhile, Tehran called the accusation baseless.
Iran sent a message that warned the UK, U. S. and Israel retaliation to the drone attack on the tanker “will be met with a severe and decisive answer.”
Statement from Antony Blinken, U. S. Secretary of State:
“We join our partners and allies in our strong condemnation of the attack against the Mercer Street, a commercial ship that was peacefully transiting through the north Arabian Sea in international waters. Upon review of the available information, we are confident that Iran conducted this attack, which killed two innocent people, using one-way explosive UAVs, a lethal capability it is increasingly employing throughout the region. 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. We once again offer our condolences to the families of the victims.”