Iran releases 2 Greek tankers seized in May
Ship tracking data showed that the vessels were on their way from Iran.
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The Delta Poseidon, a Greek tanker seized by Iranian authorities. (Marine Traffic)
Iran has released 2 Greek-flagged tankers - Delta Poseidon and Prudent Warrior - that it seized from the Gulf in May, according to the Greek shipping ministry on Wednesday.
Responding to the US' confiscation of Iranian oil off the Greek coast, Iran seized Greek tankers, fuelling bilateral tensions amid a broader deterioration in relations between Iran and the US and its allies.
"The final agreement was reached today in Tehran," the ministry said in a statement.
Ship tracking data showed that the vessels were on their way from Iran.
In a statement, Delta Tankers confirmed that its vessel was released on Wednesday and said the tanker was going to Fujairah, a port in the United Arab Emirates, for inspections before returning to Greece - the original destination.
"This is very good news and we are grateful to all those involved with securing this release. The crew are well and pleased to be on their way after many months," the company said.
The Prudent Warrior was bound to be sailing to Khor Fakkan, a UAE port, according to data from Eikon. Polembros shipping said that 17 out of 24 Greek and Filipino crew members have been replaced.
In May, Iranian media outlets said that Tehran has made the decision to take 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 they were in violation of maritime navigation rules.
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.
The official also stated that Iran "will not relinquish its legal rights and expects the Greek government to honor its international commitments in the maritime and shipping sectors."
