Washington 0
9 August 2021

Addressing a UN Security Council session on maritime security, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the 29 July attack on the M/T Mercer Street off the coast of Oman, asserting that “we are confident that Iran conducted this unjustified attack, which is part of a pattern of attacks and other provocative behaviour”. “It is on all of our nations to hold accountable those responsible”, Blinken added. “Failing to do so will only fuel their sense of impunity and embolden others inclined to disregard the maritime order”. Iran’s UN representative rejected the claims, insisting that “there is no irrefutable, verifiable and conclusive evidence” of Iranian involvement and contending that “it is an open secret that Israel is the master in conducting false flag operations”.

Subscribe to Crisis Group’s Email Updates

Receive the best source of conflict analysis right in your inbox.