US accuses Iran of attacking Mercer Street commercial ship

 

Admin l Monday, August 02, 2021

 

WASHINGTON – The United States of America has said that Iran is culpable in the attack of Mercer Street, a commercial ship that was peacefully transiting through the North Arabian Sea in international waters.

In a statement condemning the attack,  Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken said upon review of the available information, the US is confident that Iran was behind the attack.

“We are confident that Iran conducted this attack, which killed two innocent people, using one-way explosive UAVs, a lethal capability it is increasingly employing throughout the region”, Blinken said in the statement.

He said there is no justification for this attack, which it said follows a pattern of attacks and other belligerent behavior,  threaten freedom of navigation through this crucial waterway, international shipping and commerce, and the lives of those on the vessels involved.

“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 said.