US and G7 member states have accused Iran in connection with a July 29 drone attack on the Mercer Street off the coast of Oman that killed two sailors, British and Romanian nationals. The ship is linked to an Israeli businessman.
“These actions threaten freedom of navigation through this crucial water way, international shipping and commerce, and the lives of people on the vessels involved,” Blinken said during a United Nations Security Council session on maritime security.
“It is on all of our nations to hold accountable those responsible. Failing to do so will only fuel their sense of impunity and embolden others inclined to disregard maritime order,” he added.
UK Secretary of Defence Ben Wallace called the “targeted attack” a “clear violation of international law by Iran.”
Iran has denied responsibility.
In a phone call with France’s President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, Iran’s new President Ebrahim Raisi said his country is committed to security in waters that are crucial to the international oil trade.
"The Islamic Republic is very serious about providing security and maintaining deterrence in the Persian Gulf region and the Sea of Oman, and will confront the factors that deprive security,” Raisi said.
Macron emphasized the importance of “launching a discussion to preserve the stability and security of the region,” according to a statement from his office.
The two also discussed talks to revive the nuclear deal that were suspended in June with the expectation they would resume after Raisi’s inauguration last week. Macron urged the Iranian leader to resume talks quickly and end its nuclear activities that violate the 2015 accord. Raisi condemned US sanctions, imposed after Washington unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018, and said “In any negotiation, the rights of the Iranian people must be upheld and the interests of our nation must be ensured.”
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