BRUSSELS, Aug 3 (KUNA) -- NATO Tuesday "strongly condemned" the recent fatal attack on the MV Mercer Street vessel off the coast of Oman, expressing its condolences to Romania and the United Kingdom for the losses they suffered.
"Freedom of navigation is vital for all NATO Allies, and must be upheld in accordance with international law," acting NATO spokesperson Dylan White, said in a written statement.
"The United Kingdom, the United States, and Romania have concluded that Iran is highly likely responsible for this incident. Allies remain concerned by Iran's destabilising actions in the region, and call on Tehran to respect its international obligations," he added.
A day earlier, Iran denied UK and US accusations that it was behind an attack on an Israel-managed petroleum product tanker off Omani territorial waters, saying it "strongly condemns" the accusations levelled by Washington and London.
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has described the incident as an "unlawful and callous attack" he blamed on Iran, saying he believed the Islamic Republic orchestrated the assault. In comments of his own, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was "confident Iran conducted the attack," adding that an "appropriate response" was in the works.
A Briton and a Romanian were killed when the product tanker was attacked on Thursday off the coast of Oman. (end) nk.hb.nam