Iran summons Swiss envoy over seizing of ship's cargo
The Swiss charge d'affaires, who represents the US interests in Iran, has been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to receive the Islamic Republic's severe protest.
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs pursues diplomatic efforts to urge Greece to stop confiscating Iranian cargo ships under US pressure.
Since the Swiss Ambassador to Tehran is not available in the Islamic country, the director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for American issues summoned the Swiss chargé d'affaires to express Iran’s concern and strong protest over the continuation of violating international regulations and free trade by the US administration, calling for the immediate release of the ship and its cargo.
The Swiss chargé d'affaires replied that he will convey Iran’s message to American officials.
On Wednesday, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also summoned the Greek Charge D’affaires over the confiscation of the Iranian-flagged ship.
Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) urged Greece on Wednesday to act committed to its international obligations after the European country seized the Iranian-flagged ship.
Iran summons Greek envoy
Yesterday, 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."
US seizes Iranian oil cargo
The US ordered seizing the oil on an Iranian-flagged tanker near Greece, with the cargo set to be sent to the US through another ship, three informed sources indicated.
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.
A Greek source said that following a “judicial intervention by US authorities concerning the ship’s cargo” the process is underway at the US government's expense, without providing any valid reason.