Speaking at the UN Security Council Monday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken renewed a call for a collective response against Iran for the July 30th attack on the Israeli-linked tanker Mercer Street. The US has blamed Iran for the drone attack, which killed a Romanian and a British citizen, but Tehran denies the charge.
“Upon review of the available information, we are confident that Iran conducted this unjustified attack, which is part of a pattern of attacks and other provocative behavior,” Blinken said. “It is on all of our nations to hold accountable those responsible. Failing to do so will only fuel their sense of impunity and embolden others inclined to disregard the maritime order.”
While denying responsibility for the attack, Iranian officials have pointed out the hypocrisy of Western countries who never call out Israel for its attacks on ships in the region. In March, The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel had attacked at least a dozen ships that were either Iranian or carrying Iranian fuel since 2019. The US also never condemns Israel for its covert attacks and assassinations inside Iran.
Despite the obvious hypocrisy, Blinken presented the idea of responding to the Mercer Street attack as upholding the so-called “rules-based international order,” a term that is commonly repeated by Biden administration officials.
On August 1st, Blinken released a statement vowing that some sort of response to the incident was coming. “We are working with our partners to consider our next steps and consulting with governments inside the region and beyond on an appropriate response, which will be forthcoming,” he said.
Since the Mercer Street was hit, Israeli officials have been trying to rally the world against Iran. Last week, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Israel was ready to attack the Islamic Republic and called on other nations to join them. “We are at a point where we need to take military action against Iran. The world needs to take action against Iran now,” he said.
Russia and China will veto a Military Strike. If Winken, Blinken and Nod tries to defy the UN, every US Base in the Persian Gulf will suffer a missile Barrage he, the Israelies, the Soldiers and Sailors on them and their Families will demand that he Nuke Iran. Israel will suffer too. It won’t go well.
I cannot see Israel starting a war. More likely, another sneaky outrage. Will US risk WWIII to attack Iran? Probably, just like Israel, planning something under the infamous “rules based international order”.
Still not clear how is this incident linked to Israel?
Even less clear is — why are two dead people the Romanian captain and a British Security officer. British company I understand is managing the ship. The damage to pilot bridge is minor, as evidenced by a photo provided. Some debris is seen around a computer terminal. Was anybody else present in pilot cabin? It would be highly unusual that typical crew in the bridge was not present.
I understand UN Security Council members Russia and China are calling for independent investigation by neutral countries.
Israel IS at war. Witness the bombing of Syria, the actions against Iran that war r us showed us.
Israel is at war with us.
Iran is in the early phases of its war with Israel.
You’ve got it backwards. Israel is in the early stages of war with Iran, and will find that Iran is a bit more than it can handle. Enter Amerikkka, and we can thank Israel for starting WWlll.
Paraphrasing Jefferson: I tremble for the fate of my country when I think that God is just and His justice will not sleep forever …
What will be the final straw of hypocrisy that will break the camel’s back? The nation that unjustifiably attacked Iraq, causing the death of hundreds of thousands and the homelessness of millions is bothered by a Tonkin style attacked ship. Did the other members of the UNSC not just burst out in tears and laughter at our boy-diplomat’s words?
In this Empire of Lies the talented ambitious have ever competed for the title Prince of Lies; but thus far it seems the mark has been set almost impossibly high by The W administration, … besting even the Lincoln.
Only “confident” instead of “highly likely”? They must really have nothing.
“Upon review of the available information, we are confident that Iran conducted this unjustified attack, which is part of a pattern of attacks and other provocative behavior,” Blinken said.
Speaking of provocative behavior:
Between 2010 and 2020 five Iranian scientist have been murdered, the last one in broad daylight.
At least 12 Iranian ships have been targeted since 2019.
Israel had bombed Syria more than 1000 times as of 2019. Number estimated to be near 1500 by now.
Since 2010 there has been at least one dozen attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
You forgot the Iranian ship WE pirated, then sold the contents. OIL.
Has Israel volunteered to help find the “real killers” yet?
About as much as OJ.
Another Iranian ship was hit by a terrorist bomb in Latakia harbor in the last couple of days. Even as Israelis complain, they just keep doing it.
Well Blinken, what is your “available information”?
A Syrian militia has claimed responsibility but that doesn’t fit the narrative.
Blinken is whistling through the graveyard. No one is even listening.
Am I the only one who marvels at how Our Officially Designated Enemies always do something to provoke an attack at precisely the time when we are looking for a pretext to attack them?
Can we get an unbiased, professional, credible Secretary of State to make these potentially dangerous statements? Blinken has to stay out of the limelight and s.t.f. up!!
“Rules based” is exactly what Iran is alleged to have done — done to Israel and friends what they have been doing constantly to Iran. Them’s the rules. Blinken and friends made them, he just does not like getting them back at him.