Iran president admits deal can be done to release seized tanker
Iran’s president has signalled a deal could be possible regarding the British-flagged tanker seized in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Hassan Rouhani suggested the Stena Impero vessel could be released if the UK takes similar steps to hand back an Iranian oil tanker seized by the Royal Navy off Gibraltar earlier this month.
The remarks could help reduce tensions between the two countries after Boris Johnson yesterday took over as Prime Minister.
“We do not seek the continuation of tension with some European countries,” Mr Rouhani said in comments carried on his website.
“Should they be committed to international frameworks and give up their wrong actions, including what they did in Gibraltar, they will receive a proportional response from Iran.”
Mr Rouhani described the Iranian seizure of the Ukflagged Stena Impero as “professional and brave”.
The crew of the seized tanker Stena Impero are safe, the vessel’s owners said, after direct communication with the personnel in Iran.
The British-flagged vessel was seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard last Friday amid heightened tensions between Tehran and the West.
Stena Bulk confirmed it had now made direct contact with the crew of the impounded vessel.
The ship’s master said they were all safe and there had been good co-operation with the Iranian personnel on board.
Stena Bulk said the crew’s family members were being kept updated on the latest developments and being offered the firm’s full support.
Erik Hanell, president and chief executive of Stena Bulk, said: “We do, of course, appreciate this step of development and that this is a first sign that we will soon see more positive progress from the Iranian authorities.”
The firm said the family members of the crew, who are Indian, Russian, Latvian and Filipino, were being kept updated on the latest developments and offered full support.
The development came as the head of the Iranian supreme leader’s office said the UK was sending a mediator to negotiate for the release of the vessel.
Tehran has claimed the tanker collided with a fishing boat, while then-foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt has accused Iran of “state piracy”.
It has meanwhile been reported that almost half of the Royal Navy’s fleet of frigates and destroyers is out of action due to long-term repairs.