G7, EU condemn tanker attack in Gulf of Oman, blame Iran

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The foreign ministers of G7 member states and the High Representative of the European Union condemned the July 29 attack on a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman in a joint statement on Friday, claiming evidence “clearly” shows Iran was behind the attack. 

A British national and a Romanian citizen were killed in the attack on the MV Mercer Street, managed by an Israeli billionaire. The UK, Iran and Israel have blamed Iran for the attack, but Tehran has denied its involvement and accused the countries of baseless accusations.

“We condemn the unlawful attack committed on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman on 29 July, which killed a British and a Romanian national. This was a deliberate and targeted attack, and a clear violation of international law. All available evidence clearly points to Iran. There is no justification for this attack,” read the joint statement.

The G7 consists of Canada, France, the US, Germany, the UK, Japan, and Italy. 

“Iran’s behaviour, alongside its support to proxy forces and non-state armed actors, threatens international peace and security. We call on Iran to stop all activities inconsistent with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and call on all parties to play a constructive role in fostering regional stability and peace,” it added. 

Saeed Khatibzadeh, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, has warned Israel not to test the Islamic Republic in wake of the accusations. Israeli Foreign Minister Benny Gantz has said military action should be taken against Iran.

“We state this clearly: ANY foolish act against Iran will be met with a DECISIVE response,” Khatibzadeh tweeted Thursday.

The July 29 attack is the latest escalation in Iran-Israel tensions in the region. 

The US Central Command has revealed the result of an investigation, based on interviews with the vessel crew, claiming that evidence suggests the recovered parts of one of the UAVs used in the attack was produced in Iran.