UK summons Iranian envoy over tanker attack

iran

The UK has summoned Iran’s ambassador over last week’s attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman in which two crew members – a Briton and a Romanian – were killed. “Iran must immediately cease actions that risk international peace and security”, the UK Foreign Office said. The UK, US and Israel blame Iran for the attack, which comes amid long running tensions between Iran and Israel. Iran calls the accusations baseless. Foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh warned that Iran would not hesitate in defending its security and national interests and would respond strongly to any “possible adventurism”. In comments carried by the semi-official Isna news agency, Mr Khatibzadeh said the allegations “were contradictory, false and provocative accusations”. Both the US and UK said a drone was used in the attack on the MV Mercer Street, which is managed by the London-based company Zodiac Maritime.(BBC)…[+]