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."

The Greek diplomat promised to convey the Iranian government's protest to those concerned.

In the latest developments, Reuters has just reported that Greece is transferring the seized Iranian oil shipment to another tanker that will sail to the United States.

On Wednesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned Greece's submission to US pressure, noting that the impounding of the ship's cargo constitutes a form of maritime piracy and rests, the responsibility for which falls upon the Greek government.

The Iranian port authority announced on Wednesday that Greek authorities impounded a ship carrying the Iranian flag and confiscated its cargo by court order and in coordination with the US government.

The port authority added that the ship sought shelter in Greek ports to protect the safety of its crew, but received no aid, noting that the ship was unloaded by the army, in a step that is considered a clear example of piracy.

Earlier this month, a source told Al Mayadeen that Greek authorities had been impounding a ship sailing under the Iranian flag since 20 April.

The tanker, which had been sailing under the Russian flag since April 8 changed its flag, sailing under Iran's, knowing that the European Union, unlike the US, has not imposed sanctions on Iranian oil.

Greek media outlets reported at the time that the US asked Greek judicial authorities to impound the shipment and conduct an investigation.