Greek environment groups condemn Athens for oil spill from Iran tanker
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Greek authorities, in the process of transferring oil from an Iranian tanker they stole to the US, disregarded the environmental consequences of their actions.
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The pollution on the Greece coast was caused by a "non-standard" crude oil transfer, on May 30, 2022 (Photo: Twitter/@davesnewscom)
After the US government ordered Greek authorities to seize an Iranian oil tanker (after which the US actually stole the oil stored in it), an oil spill plagued the Greek port of Karistos, which caused outrage among Greek environmental groups.
The groups, on May 30, condemned Athens for causing the oil spill as the authorities were transferring Iranian oil from the seized tanker. The groups published images of the pollution, blaming the "non-standard transfer of oil," asserting that all parties that were involved in this action completely disregarded the environmental consequences.
The Association for the Protection of the Environment of South Karystia remarked: “Even if only one-thousandth of a shipment leaks during the transfer process at sea, the environmental damage will be incalculable.”
According to the Greek Ministry of Transport, the US Department of Justice had “informed Greece that the cargo on the vessel is Iranian oil and has been transferred to another ship that was contracted by the US,” without giving further details.
Iran condemned Washington for stealing its oil, calling the action maritime piracy. In response, Tehran seized two Greek oil tankers, the Delta Poseidon and the Prudent Warrior, off the coast of Aslaviyeh and Bandar Lengeh, just after Greece seized an Iranian oil tanker in compliance with US pressures.
Yesterday, Antony Blinken mustered all his audacity to condemn the "unjustified seizure" of the two Greek-flagged vessels, according to the US State Department - just after ordering the hijacking of an Iranian tanker, stealing its oil.
In a statement, Blinken said, "Iran's continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights and freedoms are a threat to maritime security and the global economy."
The IRGC announced the seizure of the ships because Greece and the US were violating maritime navigation rules.
Furthermore, Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned the head of Greece's diplomatic mission for seizing cargo from a vessel flying the Iranian flag in Greek waters.
The head of the Mediterranean and East European affairs at Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that Greece's "unacceptable" surrender to "illegal" US pressures was "an example of international piracy" as was the "seizure of the cargo of the ship" flying the flag of Iran.
