Gibraltar Denies It is Due to Release Seized Iranian Tanker

Mon, 19 Aug 2019

Gibraltar Denies It is Due to Release Seized Iranian Tanker

Voice of America
14 Aug 2019, 09:35 GMT+10

Opposing news reports fueled confusion Tuesday over the fate of an oil tanker seized near the British territory of Gibraltar last month.

Jalil Eslami, deputy head of Iran's maritime agency, said Tuesday that the tanker, Grace 1, would soon be released by Gibraltar authorities.

"We believe that (the) Grace 1 oil tanker will resume operation under (the) Iranian flag in international waters in the very near future," Eslami said, according to Iran's Fars news agency.

Fars, quoting unidentified Gibraltar authorities, said the tanker would be freed by late Tuesday.

But Western media reports said a senior official in Gibraltar called the report "untrue."

Although Grace 1 was seized by British forces, Britain said on Tuesday that investigations into the tanker were a matter for Gibraltar. The Gibraltar Supreme Court is scheduled to hold a hearing on the case on Thursday.

Britain has accused the vessel of violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, a charge Tehran denies.

In retaliation, Iran seized the British-flagged Stena Impero tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19 for alleged maritime violations.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf have been rising since the United States pulled out of the international 2015 nuclear treaty, under which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear work in return for lifting most international sanctions on Tehran.

Britain and other European parties to the nuclear deal have been trying to salvage it by shielding Iran's economy from reimposed tougher U.S. sanctions.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Mexico Star.

More Information

North America

Keys rallies to beat Kuznetsova for Cincinnati WTA title

Cincinnati - Madison Keys came from a break down in both sets to defeat Svetlana Kuznetsova 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) on ...

Afghanistan quashes Pak's 'reckless' claim on Kashmir

Washington [US], Aug 19 (ANI): Afghanistan has rebutted Pakistan's claims that Kashmir issue could potentially impact the ongoing Afghan peace ...

'New Sudan': Thousands celebrate as protesters, army sign deal

Rapturous crowds filled the streets of Sudan's capital, Khartoum, after generals and protest leaders signed a landmark power-sharing deal paving ...

US condemns 'barbaric' terror attack at wedding hall in Kabul

Washington D.C. [USA], Aug 19 (ANI): The United States on Sunday (local time) condemned the terrorist attack on a wedding ...

UN appeals for more help to alleviate Venezuela refugee crisis

Washington D.C. [USA], Aug 19 (ANI): The United Nations on Sunday appealed for more humanitarian aid for Venezuelan refugees pouring ...

Seized Iranian Tanker Leaves Gibraltar

Last updated on Aug. 18, 2019 at 8:30 p. m.WASHINGTON - An Iranian supertanker left Gibraltar on Sunday after authorities ...

International

Myanmar ambulance driver killed in crossfire

NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar - A volunteer ambulance driver has been killed and several others have been injured during a ...

Libyans, facing political and economic collapse, lament Western help

It's been eight years since the NATO-led military intervention in Libya. Many analysts consider the action a crucial step forward ...

4 Palestinians die in two separate incidents, Israel hit by 3 rockets

GAZA, Palestinian territories - Three Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army in the northern Gaza Strip, the Palestinian health ...

Bomb explodes at wedding ceremony in Afghanistan capital

KABUL, Afghanistan - A suicide bomber has detonated explosive devices at a wedding in the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, causing ...

North Korea test-fires new weapon, Kim personally guides test

SEOUL, South Korea - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un personally guided the test-firing of a new weapon on Friday.Kim "guided ...

India and Pakistan remain at odds over Kashmir after UN meeting

NEW YORK, New York - The UN Security Council met to consider the volatile situation surrounding Kashmir on Friday, addressing ...

Movie Review

Detour [Blu-Ray]