Press release

UK condemns deliberate attack on oil tanker by Iran

UK assessments concluded that it is highly likely that Iran attacked the merchant vessel MV Mercer Street in international waters off Oman using unmanned aerial vehicles.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

The UK condemns the unlawful and callous attack committed on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman, which killed a British and a Romanian national. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those killed in the incident.

We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran. UK assessments have concluded that it is highly likely that Iran attacked the MV Mercer Street in international waters off Oman on 29 July using one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law.

The UK is working with our international partners on a concerted response to this unacceptable attack.

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Published 1 August 2021