PM to be briefed on seized tanker

THERESA May was due to chair a meeting of the UK Government’s emergency committee Cobra today after Iran seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the Persian Gulf.

The prime minister was expected to receive updates from ministers and officials on the situation and will discuss the maintenance of the security of shipping in the region.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt was due to update the Commons on the situation this afternoon, amid reports that ministers are considering freezing Iranian regime assets.

It came as ministers denied reports that the UK had taken its “eye off the ball” because of domestic politics after the vessel was commandeered in Omani waters in the economically significant Strait of Hormuz.

Chancellor Philip Hammond insisted the government had been “very much engaged with both the Americans and our European partners in the response to Iran’s increasing defiance”.

And Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood said the UK had vessels going through 100 nautical miles of waterway every day in the region, adding: “It is impossible simply to escort each individual vessel.”

He also called for more money to be invested in the Royal Navy.

Meanwhile, audio emerged between Iranian authorities and HMS Montrose moments before the Stena Impero was seized.

In the radio recording, the Iranian vessel can be heard saying: “If you obey, you will be safe. Alter your course immediately. I want to inspect the ship for security reasons.”

HMS Montrose replied: “You must not impair, impede, obstruct or hamper the passage of the Stena Impero. Please confirm that you are not intending to violate international law by attempting to board.”

Iran has directly linked the seizure of the vessel with Britain’s role in detaining a tanker carrying Iranian oil earlier this month.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard moves around the British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero, which was seized on Friday