Greece handed over seized Iranian oil cargo to the United States; Tehran protested

Greece handed over Iran’s seized oil cargo on a tanker flying the Russian flag to the United States.

Britain’s maritime information company “Lloyd’s List” reported that the United States sent the tanker “Ice Energy” to Greece to deliver Iran’s oil cargo, and this cargo was delivered to the country according to a request from the U.S. Department of Justice.

In this regard, Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday, June 4th, that it had summoned the charge d’affaires of the Greek embassy in Tehran (in the absence of the ambassador) and stated that Iran’s strong protest was conveyed to him.

The Russian tanker Lara (formerly named Pegas) was carrying 700,000 barrels of Iranian oil when it was seized in Greek waters on April 16th of this year.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization called on the Greek government on Wednesday to immediately fulfill its international obligations.

The organization stated: While this ship sought refuge in Greek waters to preserve the safety of personnel and oil cargo, the cargo was unloaded, which is “a clear example of maritime theft.”

Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization further stated that “the Pegas ship faced unsuitable weather conditions and had technical problems, and according to international law, it requested assistance.”

The Pegas tanker, recently renamed “Lana,” had reported that its engine required repairs.

According to Athens News Agency’s report, the tanker was heading toward the southern Peloponnese peninsula to transfer its cargo to another tanker, but weather conditions caused it to drop anchor near Karystos, where it was seized.

Source: Radio Farda