Iranian Forces Hostile Takeover Of Greek Oil Tankers

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Iranian forces seize two Greek tankers in the Gulf: State media

Greece accused Iran of “piracy” after the IRGC seized two Greek-flagged oil tankers in the Gulf Friday. The move came amid a dispute over an Iranian oil cargo.

Athens said Iranian navy helicopters landed armed men on two tankers, one of which was sailing in international waters. The second tanker was near the Iranian coast when seized.

“These actions are tantamount to acts of piracy,” the foreign ministry said in a statement, warning Greek citizens to avoid traveling to Iran. It said it had strongly protested to the Iranian ambassador in Athens against the “violent” seizure.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) said in a statement on their official website on Friday that they seized two Greek oil tankers in the Arabian Gulf “due to violations that were committed.”

Iran’s state maritime body said the crew of two Greek tankers seized by the IRGC were not detained and were in good health.

Mahjoob Zweiri, professor of Iran and Middle East politics at Qatar University, told Al Jazeera that Iran wants to send a clear message to the United States.

This appears to be a retaliatory action following a Greek seizure in April taken out as part of sanctions on Russia and Iran. Greece said it would transfer 115,000 tonnes of Iranian oil to the US at the request of the US Treasury after the EU imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February. Iran accused the US of a violation of international law.

The US reimposed sanctions on Iran after President Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal.

  1. Two laden Greek tankers seized by Iranian forces – Lloyd’s List
  2. Iran says crew of two seized Greek tankers not detained and are on board – Reuters
  3. Iran summons Swiss envoy over US oil seizure – Aljazeera
  4. Iran Guards say they seized two Greek tankers in Gulf – The Jerusalem Post
  5. Iran seizes two Greek oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz – Financial Times
  6. Iran Seizes Two Greek Tankers in Persian Gulf Waters – Bloomberg
  7. Iranian oil tanker’s cargo seized in Greece after US request – The Associated Press