Iran is cautioning the UK, Israel and the US that they will be met with a "crushing response" should the powers retaliate for Friday's attack on a Japanese-owned tanker.

An unnamed Iranian security source told state-run, English-language PressTV that it considers any threats made by the countries "to be mostly of propaganda value".

"Any measure against Iran's interest and national security will be met with strong and crushing response, with Washington and London being directly responsible for the consequences of such moves," the source close to the country's Supreme National Security Council said.

The statement comes after Washington, London and Tel Aviv blamed Iran for launching what appeared to be a drone attack on the 49,992-dwt Mercer Street (built 2013) off Oman, killing a British and a Romanian seafarer on board.

Iranian officials have denied involvement.

The Mercer Street is owned by Taiheiyo Kaiun but was chartered by Zodiac Maritime, which is controlled by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said over the weekend that he expects the international community to send a message to Iran and that they "know how to convey the message to Iran in [their] own ways".

Responses from the US and UK blamed Iran but were more muted, although Reuters reported on Monday that the two countries were working with allies to respond to the attack.

Meanwhile, the newswire said the UK summoned the Iranian ambassador on Monday, with Iran doing the same.

It quoted foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh telling state television that "Iran has no hesitation in protecting its security and national interests and will respond promptly and strongly to any possible adventure".