The European Union on Sunday said it totally agrees that Iran was responsible for the recent deadly attack on an Israeli-managed tanker off the coast of Oman.
Two of the crew members were killed in the attack.
EU foreign minister Josep Borrell said in a statement that the EU “condemns in the strongest terms the unlawful attack committed on the merchant vessel Mercer Street, off Masirah Island in Oman, on 29 July.”
“There is no justification for this attack which killed a Romanian as well as a British citizen. We offer our condolences to their families and friends and express our full solidarity with the affected member state,” he said.
“Such reckless and unilateral actions, against international law and threatening to international peace, are unacceptable and need to stop. Freedom of navigation must be guaranteed in accordance with international law. All available evidence clearly points to Iran,” Borrell added.
The EU sent a special representative, Enrique Mora, to Iran last week. He attended Iranian new president Ebrahim Raeisi’s inauguration. Reports said Mora talked with Iranian officials on resuming nuclear talks with world power in Vienna.
However, there has been no discussions regarding Iran’s behaviour or its deadly attack on the Israeli-managed oil tanker, according to local and international reports.
“We call on all relevant parties in the region to play a constructive role in fostering regional stability and peace. In this context, the EU will continue the intense diplomatic efforts to advance appropriate and effective dialogue and solutions,” Borrell concluded.
On Friday, US Central Command said that a US Defense Department expert team has concluded that the drone behind the deadly attack on the Mercer Street commercial vessel was produced in Iran.
The release of the findings by the Pentagon followed a statement of condemnation from the G7 Foreign Ministers blaming Iran for the attack.
“All available evidence clearly points to Iran. There is no justification for this attack,” the joint statement Friday said.
Iran has denied its role in the attack.
