Iran Warns US against Any Attempt to Seize Iranian Tanker

By Staff, Agencies

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi revealed on Monday that Tehran warned the United States via the Swiss Embassy in Tehran against seizing the Iranian supertanker carrying oil in open seas.

"Such an action ... would endanger shipping safety in open seas. We have issued a warning through official channels, especially the Swiss embassy,” he said.

Addressing the issue of the release of UK tanker Stena Impero, Mousavi stated that Tehran is waiting for a court decision on the matter.

This comes as Tehran confirmed that the Grace 1 oil tanker renamed Adrian Darya had set course for international waters following its release after 46 days in Gibraltar's waters.

On Saturday, the US Department of Justice issued a warrant to seize the Grace 1. According to the US Department of Justice, a court ruled that the oil tanker, its cargo and $995,000 in cash are subject to confiscation over the violation of a number of US laws.