Israeli tanker attacked, Blinken vows to ‘beat’ Iran

WASHINGTON – Minister of Foreign Affairs United States of America (USA) Antony Blinken vows there will be a “collective response” to attacks on tanker operated Israel off the coast of Oman. The US pointed out Iran as the perpetrator of the attack.

Blinken once again blamed Iran for the incident, arguing that it followed a pattern of similar attacks by Iran, including past incidents with explosive drones.

“After a thorough review, Washington believes that Tehran is to blame in this case,” he said Russia Today, Tuesday (3/8/2021).

However, Blinken did not show any new evidence pointing to Iran for the attack. In contrast, Blinken accused Iran of acting very irresponsibly in terms of threats to navigation and trade.

Blinken said Washington was still coordinating with its partners and consulting with governments in the region, including Britain, Israel and Romania, to prepare what he called a “collective response.”

Blinken’s statement reinforces his own on Sunday, when he first went live accused Iran of being behind the attack and vowed to respond appropriate to the incident. The US itself has not announced any specific steps.

Last week, the Israeli-operated MV Mercer Street tanker was targeted by what the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet described as “ drone suicide” while sailing off the coast of Oman. Two people died in the incident, a Romanian captain and a British security guard.

Also read: US Navy: Israeli tanker attacked by drone

Israel was one of the first countries to point the finger at Tehran, demanding a tough response to the incident. London said on Sunday it was “very likely” Tehran was behind the attack and summoned Iran’s ambassador on Monday to demand Iran stop actions that pose a risk to international peace and security.

Also read: US and UK Support Israel’s Response to Iran’s Mercer Street Ship Attack

Tehran has repeatedly denied involvement, condemning the US, UK and Israeli statements as false and contradictory allegations and demands that evidence of his involvement be shown to the public.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh, said his country would not hesitate to protect its security and national interests in case of a threat, as he warned the three countries against any “adventure”.

Also read: Enemy heats up, Iran threatens to counter US, UK and Israel

(ian)

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