G7 accuses Iran of attack on tanker off Oman

Iran has rejected as baseless a statement by the G7 foreign ministers that blamed Tehran for a recent attack on an Israeli-managed tanker off Oman. The Foreign Ministry spokesman said such an incident just days before the swearing-in of the new president in Iran was a scenario planned by Israel. Saeed Khatibzadeh said it is not the first time the Israeli regime has resorted to such a plot to stir up tensions in the region. He added Iran is committed to ensuring the security of the strategic Persian Gulf waterway and the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement, the G7 foreign ministers and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell claimed that Iran was involved in last week's attack on the Mercer Street tanker. Tel Aviv says it is ready to strike Iran in retaliation for the attack. Iran has already warned of a crushing response to any such move.