IRAN SEIZES SOUTH KOREAN-FLAGGED TANKER

DUBAI/SEOUL Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps seized a South Korean-flagged tanker in Persian Gulf waters and detained its crew, Iranian media said on Monday, amid tensions between Tehran and Seoul over Iranian funds frozen in South Korean banks due to U.S. sanctions.

Seoul demanded its immediate release.

Several Iranian media outlets, including state TV, said the Revolutionary Guards navy captured the vessel for polluting the gulf with chemicals.

The semi-official Tasnim news agency published pictures showing the guards' speed boats escorting the tanker “Hankuk Chemi” — which it said was carrying 7,200 tonnes of ethanol.

It said the vessel's 20 detained crew included nationals from South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar.

South Korea's deputy foreign minister is expected to visit Tehran in the coming days, during which officials would discuss Iran's demand that South Korea release $7 billion in funds frozen in South Korean banks because of U.S. sanctions.

TASNIM NEWS / AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES A South Korean-flagged tanker is escorted by Iran's Revolutionary Guards navy after being seized in Persian Gulf waters Monday, with Iran claiming the vessel was polluting the gulf with chemicals.