Israel’s defence and foreign ministers told UN Security Council ambassadors that the Israeli government had “acted in all possible diplomatic and security channels in order to call on the international community to set clear boundaries for Iran and to cease its aggressive conduct”, underscoring that “Israel will maintain the right to act independently in the face of any attack or threat” and also noting that “action may be taken through the UN Security Council or any other international framework that will hold Iran accountable for its actions”. Defence Minister Benny Gantz named two Iranian IRGC officials whom he said were involved in Iranian drone operations, including the 29 July attack against the M/T Mercer Street, and, further asserting that Iran “is only ten weeks away from acquiring weapons-grade materials necessary for a nuclear weapon”, contended: “It is time for diplomatic, economic and even military deeds – otherwise the attacks will continue”. The same day, Iran sent a letter to the UN Security Council characterising the Israeli claim as “factually wrong and politically and ethically irresponsible”.