ISRAEL has accused Iran of being behind an attack on an Israeli vessel on Friday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to retaliate.

Speaking today, Mr Netanyahu claimed Iran was Israel's greatest enemy after the vessel was attacked. 

He said: "You know my policy. Iran is Israel's biggest enemy. "I am determined to fend it off. We are striking at it everywhere the region."

The Iranian government soon responded, accusing Israel of being the most important threat to regional stability. 

Saeed Khatibzadeh, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry in Tehran, said: "We strongly reject this accusation. 

"The Zionist regime knows alright that our response to our security issues and areas is usually firm and precise."

Although denied by the Iranian government, Israel claimed limpet mines had been used on the Helios Ray last week.

US officials claimed the vessel had been struck above the water line. 



Whatever weapon was used against the ship it ripped through each side of its hull. 

This preceded a separate attack in Damascus which the Syrian government claimed had been administered by Israel. 

Israel has denied this although it's previously claimed within the future it'll launch action against Iranian affiliates in Syria.

Tensions have risen within the previous couple of months following a series of incidents.

Iran has vowed to require revenge following the attack on high-level scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh last year. 

A report has claimed Israeli intelligence forces administered the attack on the scientist. 

Fakhrizadeh, 59, had been identified by Israel together of the leading figures behind the country's nuclear programme. 

In a separate incident, the US accused Iran of a series of attacks on oil tankers within the Gulf of Oman in 2019. 

Both the Front Altair and Kokuka Courageous vessels had been sailing through high sea once they were hit.

They had skilled the Strait of Hormuz before issuing respective distress signals. 

Both crews were evacuated before being taken to an Iranian port. 

The Helios Ray was targeted shortly after multiple targets were hit by US airstrikes. 

John Kirby, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, commented: “This proportionate military response was conducted along side diplomatic measures, including consultation with coalition partners.

“The operation sends an unambiguous message: President Biden will act to guard American and coalition personnel.

“At an equivalent time, we've acted during a deliberate manner that aims to deescalate the general situation in eastern Syria and Iraq.”