Iran: Revolutionary Guards detain two Greek oil tankers

Dhe Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) have detained two Greek oil tankers within the Persian Gulf. The ships disregarded maritime laws, the IRGC internet portal stated on Friday. Extra particulars on the two tankers and crew must be introduced quickly. Greece protested within the strongest phrases and spoke of an act of piracy.

Observers suspect an act of retaliation behind the motion. Not too long ago, the Russian-flagged tanker “Lana” with Iranian oil on board was arrested in Greek waters. In protest towards this, chargé d’affaires from the Greek and Swiss embassies have been summoned to the International Ministry on Friday. Switzerland additionally represents US pursuits in Tehran.

The Greek International Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador on Friday. A protest had been filed, stated a spokesman. “These actions are virtually piracy,” the International Ministry stated in an announcement in Athens.

Greece demanded the speedy launch of the crews. The ships must be allowed to proceed. These actions would have “very detrimental repercussions” on Greek-Iranian relations, in line with the International Ministry.

Based on data from Athens, the crew of a helicopter of the Iranian Navy boarded the Greek ship “Delta Poseidon” in worldwide waters round 22 nautical miles (round 35 kilometers) off the coast of Iran on Friday. Armed Iranians then arrested the crew. A second Greek ship was additionally stopped and the crew arrested, the Greek International Ministry stated.

Athens has knowledgeable all related worldwide organizations in regards to the incidents and referred to as on all Greek residents to keep away from touring to Iran, it stated. All Greek ships shifting within the Persian Gulf area have been additionally notified.

Greek media such because the Kathimerini newspaper reported on the incident involving the Russian tanker. Accordingly, on April 14 there was a extreme storm within the Aegean. The “Lana” coming from the Turkish Marmaris sought refuge in a bay of the Greek island of Euboea in entrance of the small port of Karystos. There, the Greek authorities established that the tanker belonged to the Russian Promsvyazbank. As a result of the EU had imposed sanctions on the financial institution, the tanker was stopped. When it turned clear that the financial institution had already offered the tanker to an unsanctioned Russian financial institution in March, it was supposed to maneuver on. Within the meantime, nevertheless, it has been decided that the Russian tanker was transporting Iranian oil. Due to this fact, in line with the Greek media, US authorities reported and demanded that the Greeks present assist and proceed to carry the “Lana”. Due to the US sanctions imposed on Iran, the oil ought to have been pumped onto one other tanker and shipped to the US at US expense.

Apparently that is what is occurring within the Gulf of Karystos. The marine portal MarineTraffic reveals that one other tanker is mendacity subsequent to the “Lana” within the Gulf of Karystos and, in line with all indications, is refueling the oil from the ship.