G7 Calls Out Iran for Attack on Mercer Street

Foreign Ministers from the Group of Seven of the world’s leading economies have condemned the “deliberate and targeted attack” on the MT Mercer Street off the coast of Oman, saying the attack was a clear violation of international law that was likely carried out by Iran.

In a statement issued Friday, the G7, along with the High Representative of the European Union, said the group stands united in its commitment to maritime security and the protection of commercial shipping.

“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,” the statement said.

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The G7 includes the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

“Vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law. We will continue to do our utmost to protect all shipping, upon which the global economy depends, so that it is able to operate freely and without being threatened by irresponsible and violent acts,” the statement said.

“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,” the statement added.

The attack on the Mercer Street was discussed Friday during a closed-door United Nations Security Council, although any action from the 15-member body is unlikely.

British, U.S. and Israeli have said separately that intelligence indicates that the Israeli-managed Mercer Street was attacked by one of more Iranian drones.

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