Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

US Blames Iran for Attack on Israeli Ship, Vows "Appropriate Response"


Sun 01 Aug 2021 | 08:44 PM
NaDa Mustafa

The United States (US)  join its partners and allies in blaming Iran for an apparent drone attack last week, which killed two innocent people aboard a petroleum tanker in the tense Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman.

 

In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "Upon review of the available information, we are confident that Iran conducted this attack, which killed two innocent people, using one-way explosive [drones], 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," he added.

 

"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," Blinken continued.

 

It is worth mentioning that, Iran has strongly denied any role in the incident, with a Foreign Ministry spokesman in Tehran on Sunday blaming the “childish allegations” on the “Zionist lobby” and its supporters in Washington.