Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven major world 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 against a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman on July 29, in which a Briton and a Romanian were killed. It 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.
The G7 includes the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the United States.
“Ships must be allowed to sail freely in accordance with international law. We will continue to do all we can to protect all shipping, on which the global economy depends, so that it can operate freely and without being threatened by irresponsible and violent acts,” the statement said.
“Iran’s behavior, along with its support for proxy forces and armed non-state actors, threatens international peace and security. We call on Iran to cease all activities inconsistent with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and call on all parties to play a constructive role in promoting regional stability and peace,” the statement added.
The Mercer Street attack was discussed Friday during a closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council, although the 15-member body is unlikely to take any action.
The British, Americans and Israelis have said separately that intelligence indicates that Israeli-run Mercer Street was attacked by one or more Iranian drones.
