Iran Releases Seven Crew Members of Detained British Tanker

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announced that the country has released seven crew members of the detained ship “Stena Impero”. According to Abbas Mousavi, these individuals were nationals of India and Russia.

Abbas Mousavi, Spokesperson of Iran’s Foreign Ministry, announced that seven crew members of the British tanker “Stena Impero” have been permitted to return to their country. He said on Wednesday in his press conference that the selection of these individuals was made based on the ship captain’s decision and they will be able to leave Iran soon. According to the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, the released nationals were Indian and Russian. 

The Stena Impero was seized on July 19 by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. It is reported that the seizure of this tanker occurred in response to the seizure of the Iranian tanker “Grace 1” by the Gibraltar Naval Force and in cooperation with the British Royal Navy. Iran denies any connection between these two events. 

Following the seizure of the British tanker “Stena Impero”, Britain expressed readiness to participate in a maritime mission to ensure shipping security in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz waters under the command of the United States Navy.

On September 2, news was released about the possible deployment of British military drones to support the country’s warships in the Persian Gulf maritime mission. These drones, which have the capability to carry missiles, have been used until now in other parts of the Middle East.

Source: DW