To new escalation of diplomatic relations between Tel Aviv and Tehran? Israel estimates that the drone that attacked a tanker off the coast of west coast of India on Saturday at noon, launched directly from Iran, reports Channel 12, although that estimate has not been confirmed.

The vessel, said to be a Liberian flagged chemical/products tanker, was damaged, but there were no casualties, two shipping agencies said, with one stating that the ship is of Israeli interests, but this report has not yet been confirmed.

Has not there is still an acceptance of responsibility for the hit, which is coming amid a flurry of attacks with drones and missiles by Iran-backed Yemeni Shiite Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, a vital maritime trade route. The attacks are being carried out according to the rebels in a show of solidarity with Gaza, prompting a response from the international community with the formation of the “Guardians of Welfare” naval force.

However, since the attack occurred about 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval, India, it is unlikely that it would have been carried out from areas of Yemen controlled by the pro-Iranian Houthis comments the Times of Israel.

Tehran threatens to close the Mediterranean over crimes in Gaza

A commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned on Saturday that the Mediterranean Sea could be closed if the US and its allies continue to commit “crimes” in Gaza.

The news was reported by Iranian media, without however explaining how this could be done.

“They should soon expect the closure of the Mediterranean (Strait of Gibraltar) and other sea passages“, the Tasnim news agency reported citing Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, coordinating commander of the Revolutionary Guards.