The Iranian-flagged tanker released by Gibraltar after more than a month-long arrest is “leased” to an Iranian shipping company, a new report says. The ship’s seizure led to a row between Tehran and the UK.
Tanker Grace 1, which was renamed Adrian Darya 1, is “currently leased” by the Iranian shipping company, Iranian ILNA news agency said on Wednesday, as cited by Reuters. The report did not specify when the lease was made.
The Iranian ship was released last week after it was seized by British and Gibraltar forces in early July under the suspicion of transporting oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions. The incident stirred up a diplomatic row between Tehran and London. Iranian officials denied that the vessel violated any laws and accused the UK of “piracy.”
The ship was Panama-flagged and reportedly owned by a Singaporean company during its seizure. It was subsequently reflagged as Iranian and is currently undergoing repairs in the Red Sea.
Also on rt.com US tells Greece any help to Iranian tanker may be ‘terrorism support’The IRGC Navy chief, Alireza Tangsiri, said the ship “needs no escort” during its voyage.
The US has issued its own arrest warrant for the tanker, arguing that it was “assisting” the IRGC, which has been blacklisted as a “terrorist organization” by Washington.
In late July, Iran seized British-flagged tanker Stena Impero, claiming it violated maritime rules when passing through the Strait of Hormuz. It is currently being held at an Iranian port.
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Source : RT - Daily news
Iranian tanker freed by Gibraltar ‘leased’ to country's shipping company – media
Iranian tanker freed by Gibraltar ‘leased’ to country's shipping company – media
