Iran: Crews of seized Greek tankers not detained, in good health
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Iran's Ports and Maritime Organizations says the crew members of both Greek ships are in good health.
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The Liberian-flagged oil tanker Ice Energy transfers crude oil from the Iranian-flagged oil tanker Lana, May 26, 2022 (Reuters)
The crews of the two Greek oil tankers that were seized by the IRGC in the Gulf yesterday are not detained but are on board the ships and in good health, Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) said on Saturday.
"All crew members of both Greek ships are in full health and being protected while on board in accordance with international law, and they are provided with necessary services," a PMO statement said.
The two Greek tankers, according to the statement, were seized due to maritime violations. The issue is currently under investigation, and they will be released after the process is completed, the PMO stated.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Saturday that Tehran and Athens have always enjoyed ancient ties based on mutual respect, which should "not be hampered by deeply shortsighted miscalculations" upon an order of a third party, meaning the US.
Our ancient ties with Greece & its great people have always been based on mutual respect.
— Saeed Khatibzadeh | سعید خطیبزاده (@SKhatibzadeh) May 28, 2022
Our ties must not be hampered by deeply shortsighted miscalculations, including highway robbery on the command of a 3rd party.
Tankers crew are safe and in good health. pic.twitter.com/XWyIoY8bhM
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 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.
