Iran seizes two Greek-flagged tankers in Mideast Gulf

Two Greek-flagged ships have been seized by the Iranian authorities in the Mideast Gulf, the Greek ministry of foreign affairs said today.

The ministry said armed forces descended from an Iranian helicopter and boarded the Suezmax-class tanker Delta Poseidon, capturing the vessel while it was sailing 22 nautical miles off the coast of Iran, in the Mideast Gulf. Delta Tankers, owner of the Delta Poseidon, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Greece reported a second similar incident, without naming the vessel.

Greek vessel owner Polembros Shipping confirmed to Argus that its Suezmax vessel, the Prudent Warrior, was seized today by Iranian authorities. The company lost contact with the tanker crew this afternoon, local time. Further details were not immediately available. Tracking data from analytics firm Vortexa indicate that the Prudent Warrior was last in the Mideast Gulf, bound for UAE port Fujairah through the Straits of Hormuz.

Tracking suggests both vessels had loaded from Iraq's main port the Basrah Oil Terminal (BOT).

Iranian state news agency Irna confirmed the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) had taken two Greek-flagged ships in the Mideast Gulf for unspecified violations.

The Iranian seizures come after the US on 26 May impounded the Iranian oil cargo of an Iranian-flagged vessel, the Lana, in the Mediterranean. The Iranian ports and maritime organisation said the tanker had sought shelter at the Greek coast because of adverse weather conditions and technical difficulties.

Tehran has summoned the Swiss envoy, who represents US interests in Iran, to protest about the US seizure.

By Ruxandra Iordache