Iran behind tanker attack: G7

Reuters | London

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven wealthy economies said Iran was threatening international peace and security and that all available evidence showed it was behind an attack on the Mercer Street tanker last week. “All available evidence clearly points to Iran. There is no justification for this attack,” said the statement, issued by current G7 chair, Britain.

The vessel was a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned petroleum product tanker managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime. Tehran has denied any involvement in the suspected drone attack in which two crew members - a Briton and a Romanian - were killed.

Nevertheless, Britain, the United States and others have criticised Iran for the attack. “Iran’s behaviour, alongside its support to proxy forces and non-state armed actors, threatens international peace and security,” the G7 statement said. “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.”