Owner of UK tanker detained by Iran plans to visit crew soon

The owner of United Kindom tanker detained by Iran has issued a formal request to visit the crew members of the tanker, according to media reports.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized a UK-flagged tanker, Stena Impero, on Friday for allegedly breaching international maritime law while crossing the Strait of Hormuz. The move was denounced by the UK and Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt expressed disappointment after speaking to his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif.

Just spoke 2 Iranian FM Zarif &expressed extreme disappointment that having assured me last Sat Iran wanted 2 deescalate situation they have behaved in the opposite way.This has 2 be about actions not words if we are to find a way through.British shipping must & will be protected

— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 20, 2019

It came two weeks after Britain seized an Iranian tanker off Gibraltar accused of violating sanctions on Syria, an action that prompted numerous Iranian threats to retaliate. British Defence Secretary Penny Mordauntcalled the incident a "hostile act". Britain also summoned the Iranian charge d'affaires in London.

The British owner of a second tanker, the Liberian-flagged Mesdar, has reportedly said it had been temporarily boarded by armed personnel but was free to leave and that all crew was "safe and well".

The incidents came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by 30 days the detention of an Iranian tanker seized two weeks ago in an operation aided by British Royal Marines on allegations of breaching European Union sanctions against Syria.