Hunt tells of concern over seized tankers

JEREMY HUNT has said he is “extremely concerned” by the “unacceptable” seizure of two oil tankers by Iranian authorities in the Persian Gulf.

The Stena Impero, which is registered in the UK, was seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the Strait of Hormuz for “violating international maritime rules”, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

And a second oil tanker, the Liberia-flagged Mesdar, which is owned and operated by Glasgow-based firm Norbulk, appeared to veer off course towards the Iranian coast, according to its path on the Marine Traffic website.

The Foreign Secretary said he understood there were no British citizens on board either ship.

Mr Hunt said: “I’m extremely concerned by the seizure of two vessels by Iranian authorities in the Strait of Hormuz.

“I will shortly attend a Cobra meeting to review what we know and what we can do to swiftly secure the release of the two vessels – a Britishflagged vessel and a Liberian-flagged vessel.

“Their crews comprise a range of nationalities, but we understand there are no British citizens on board either ship.

“Our ambassador in Tehran is in contact with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve the situation and we are working closely with international partners.

“These seizures are unacceptable. It is essential that freedom of navigation is maintained and that all ships can move safely and freely in the region.”

US President Donald Trump said America would be “working with the UK”.