IRAN was “highly likely” to be behind an oil tanker terror attack that left one British man dead in the Middle East, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said. 

He described it as an “unlawful and callous attack” on the ship in the Middle East, that killed a British man and the Government believes that the drone attack on the oil tanker was “deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran”.

Iran denied responsibility but Israeli prime minister, Naftali Bennett also added blame and the UK has sided with Israel in the allegations. 

“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,” said the foreign secretary.

“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.”

“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.”

ATTACKS ON UK MUST CARRY COSTS, SAYS NANDY

LABOUR’s shadow foreign secretary, Lisa Nandy has also urged the Prime Minister to “make it clear” to Iran that the killing of a British national onboard the Mercer Street vessel would “carry costs”.

“This reckless Iranian attack on a merchant vessel in international waters is a flagrant breach of international law,” she said.

“It is tragic that this has led to the death of two sailors, including one Briton. We send our deepest condolences to their families.”

“The prime minister must make it clear to the incoming Iranian president that lawless actions will carry costs. This is the moment where Britain must show we are resolute in our determination to end this pattern of behaviour.”

“The breakdown of a clear strategy to deal with Iran has not served the UK or our allies well in recent years. The foreign secretary must now make it a priority to pursue coordinated international efforts to tackle these actions by the Iranian government.”

Additional Reporting by PA Media