With a simple statement, Iran confirms the resalto and the seizure of the two tankers with Greek flag in the Persian Gulf.
In particular, the Public Relations Department of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC announced that: "Today (Friday) the IRGC Navy seized two Greek oil tankers due to violations in the blue waters of the Persian Gulf."
According to Al-Mayadin TV station citing the coast guard, the Iranian coast guard seized the two tankers off the coasts of Bandar Lengeh and Assaluyeh.
According to Iranian media reports, the Iranian forces allowed the ships to load, seized them and confiscated them.
The Guard's announcement comes as tensions between Iran and the West are running red hot over stalled negotiations over its evolving nuclear program. And while the Persian Gulf has seen a series of attacks since former President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the deal in 2018, there has been no major incident at sea for months.
The Revolutionary Guards issued a statement accusing the tankers of unspecified violations.
According to the information, the ships in question are the Delta Poseidon of Delta Tankers and the Prudent Warrior of Polembros Shipping Limited.
According to reports, an Iranian navy helicopter landed, at noon on Friday, on the Greek-flagged ship Delta Poseidon which was sailing in international waters (22 nautical miles off the coast of Iran) in the Gulf.
Subsequently, armed men captured the crew of the ship, including two Greek citizens.
A similar incident was reported to have occurred on another Greek-flagged ship, carrying seven Greek citizens, off the Iranian coast.
At this time it has not been possible for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Merchant Navy to communicate with the ships, but the Greek authorities are on alert in order to coordinate their actions.
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