Iran: IRGC detains 2 Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf over violations

Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has detained two Greek oil tankers in the Persian Gulf over violations, in the aftermath of the seizure of an Iranian oil tanker by Greece and the transfer of its oil to the US.

“The IRGC navy today (Friday) detained two Greek oil tankers for violations they have carried out in the waters of the Persian Gulf,” the IRGC said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, Iran’s Nour News reported that the country was going to take “punitive action” against Greece due to the seizure.

Nour News, which is affiliated with the country’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), made the announcement without explaining what kind of action the Islamic Republic would take.

Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) issued a statement on Wednesday, describing the US seizure of the Iranian oil cargo from a Russian-operated ship in Greece’s territorial waters as an “act of piracy” that was “in violation of international standards”.

Also on Friday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the chargé d'affaires of Switzerland, which represents Washington’s interests in Tehran, to protest the US seizure of the Iranian oil cargo.

The ministry also on Wednesday summoned the Greek chargé d'affaires to protest the move.

SS