LONDON, July 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Britain is seeking further information on reports Iran has seized a foreign tanker in the Gulf, the government said, urging the Iranian authorities to de-escalate tensions.
Iranian state television quoted Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as saying a tanker smuggling fuel had been seized.
“We’re seeking further information following reports of a tanker seized in the Gulf. We continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the situation in the region,” a government spokeswoman said.
“We are continuously monitoring the security situation there and are committed to maintaining freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law.”
The Revolutionary Guards said the impounded vessel – which Iranian authorities have not yet named – was the same one it towed after it sent a distress call.
“The vessel that Iran towed to its waters after receiving a distress call, was later seized with the order from the court as we found out that it was smuggling fuel,” the Guards said in a statement quoted by state television.
The Guards said they had seized no other ship in the Gulf. — NNN-AGENCIES
