Iran: Coast Guard seizes two Greek oil tankers
Tehran decides to take punitive measures against Greece for the latter's seizing of an Iranian oil tanker, the Iranian media said.
-
A Greek oil tanker, the Delta Poseidon
Iranian reports on Friday revealed that Iran's Coast Guard has seized two Greek oil tankers, the Delta Poseidon, and the Prudent Warrior, off the coast of Aslaviyeh and Bandar Lengeh, a mere two days after Greece seized an Iranian oil tanker in compliance with US pressure.
Iranian media outlets had 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.
Greece's Foreign Minister announced its protest of Iran's seizure of the two ships sailing under Greek flags in the Gulf.
Iran's warning to Nato:
— Seyed Mohammad Marandi (@s_m_marandi) May 27, 2022
If you touch our oil, we'll push the price through the roof. https://t.co/KruLsqidkZ
The Iranian media said that the two Greek-flagged Delta Poseidon and Prudent Warrior were seized by a force of the IRGC that conducted a Heliborne drop on the oil tankers, and were escorted to the Iranian coast.
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."
