Blinken condemns Greek tanker seizure after US hijacked Iranian oil

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Last Thursday, the US ordered Greece to seize the oil on an Iranian-flagged tanker near Greece, with the cargo set to be sent to the US through another ship. Originally, the ship is Russian-flagged - named Pegas - but has changed its flag to an Iranian one to avoid EU and US sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

In response, Iran's Coast Guard 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.

Earlier today, Iranian media released a video of the recent seizure of two Greek oil tankers by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

Footage released by #Iranian media documenting the moment #Iran's Coast Guard seized two #Greek oil tankers. pic.twitter.com/iulItdmMF3

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 30, 2022

Today, Monday, 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."

Blinken's comments were made in a phone call with Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, according to the State Department. 

Greek and US diplomats alike have called on Iran to release the seized vessels, their cargoes, and their crews.

However, Tehran's seizure of ships was merely a reaction. Tehran took punitive measures against Greece on account of the latter's seizing of an Iranian oil tanker close to its coasts.

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.