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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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 News
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 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
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 Documentaries
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 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn m

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More
  Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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Connect
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 Submit a Tip

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Our Channels
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 Al Jazeera Documentary

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Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
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 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
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d
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Learn Arabic

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 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Awards

 Code of Ethics

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 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

 Community Guidelines

 Work for us

 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps
 Social

 Channel Finder

 TV Schedule

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 Newsletter

 Submit a Tip

 Directory

Our Channels
 Al Jazeera Arabic

 Al Jazeera English

 Al Jazeera Mubasher

 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
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 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
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 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
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asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
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asdd
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asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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Our Network
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 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Twitter
 RSS
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About
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 Press Office

 Awards

 Code of Ethics

 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

 Community Guidelines

 Work for us

 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps
 Social

 Channel Finder

 TV Schedule

 Podcasts

 Newsletter

 Submit a Tip

 Directory

Our Channels
 Al Jazeera Arabic

 Al Jazeera English

 Al Jazeera Mubasher

 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
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more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
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 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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Our Network
 Jetty

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 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Twitter
 RSS
 Podcast
 YouTube

About
 About Us

 Press Office

 Awards

 Code of Ethics

 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

 Community Guidelines

 Work for us

 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps
 Social

 Channel Finder

 TV Schedule

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 News
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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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About
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 Awards

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 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

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Connect
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 Directory

Our Channels
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 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 News
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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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About
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 Privacy Policy

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Connect
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Our Channels
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 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
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more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
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Advertisement

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Our Network
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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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Connect
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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
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asdd
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asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Twitter
 RSS
 Podcast
 YouTube

About
 About Us

 Press Office

 Awards

 Code of Ethics

 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

 Community Guidelines

 Work for us

 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

 Social

 Channel Finder

 TV Schedule

 Podcasts

 Newsletter

 Submit a Tip

 Directory

Our Channels
 Al Jazeera Arabic

 Al Jazeera English

 Al Jazeera Mubasher

 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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 News
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 More

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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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Our Network
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 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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Connect
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Our Channels
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 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
d
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asdd
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asdd
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d
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

 Facebook
 Twitter
 RSS
 Podcast
 YouTube

About
 About Us

 Press Office

 Awards

 Code of Ethics

 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

 Community Guidelines

 Work for us

 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

 Social

 Channel Finder

 TV Schedule

 Podcasts

 Newsletter

 Submit a Tip

 Directory

Our Channels
 Al Jazeera Arabic

 Al Jazeera English

 Al Jazeera Mubasher

 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

ore about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

asdd
asdd
asdd
asd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
d
asdd
asdd
asdd
asd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
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asdd
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asdd
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asdd
d
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

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 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
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 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
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 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

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 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

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 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn m

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More
  Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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Connect
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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Twitter
 RSS
 Podcast
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About
 About Us

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 Awards

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 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

 Community Guidelines

 Work for us

 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

 Social

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 Podcasts

 Newsletter

 Submit a Tip

 Directory

Our Channels
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 Al Jazeera English

 Al Jazeera Mubasher

 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
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 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
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Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
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asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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About
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 Awards

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 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

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 HR Quality

Connect
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 Directory

Our Channels
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 Al Jazeera Mubasher

 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
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 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
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asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
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asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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About
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 Awards

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 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

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 HR Quality

Connect
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 Directory

Our Channels
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 Al Jazeera English

 Al Jazeera Mubasher

 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
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 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
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asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
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asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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About
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 Awards

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 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

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Connect
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 Directory

Our Channels
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 Al Jazeera Mubasher

 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
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 More

 Live


 NEWS
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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
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Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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About
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 Awards

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 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

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Connect
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Our Channels
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 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

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more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
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 More

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

 NEWS
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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

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Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
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asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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About
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 Awards

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 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

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Connect
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 Directory

Our Channels
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 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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Connect
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Our Channels
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Our Network
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 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
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asdd
d
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d
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Twitter
 RSS
 Podcast
 YouTube

About
 About Us

 Press Office

 Awards

 Code of Ethics

 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

 Community Guidelines

 Work for us

 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

 Social

 Channel Finder

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 Podcasts

 Newsletter

 Submit a Tip

 Directory

Our Channels
 Al Jazeera Arabic

 Al Jazeera English

 Al Jazeera Mubasher

 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

ore about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

asdd
asdd
asdd
asd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
d
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asdd
asdd
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asdd
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asdd
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asdd
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d
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
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 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
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 Documentaries
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 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

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 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn m

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More
  Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

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more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
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 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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Our Network
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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Twitter
 RSS
 Podcast
 YouTube

About
 About Us

 Press Office

 Awards

 Code of Ethics

 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

 Community Guidelines

 Work for us

 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

 Social

 Channel Finder

 TV Schedule

 Podcasts

 Newsletter

 Submit a Tip

 Directory

Our Channels
 Al Jazeera Arabic

 Al Jazeera English

 Al Jazeera Mubasher

 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
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 More

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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

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Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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Connect
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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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About
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 Awards

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 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

 Community Guidelines

 Work for us

 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

 Social

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 Newsletter

 Submit a Tip

 Directory

Our Channels
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 Al Jazeera English

 Al Jazeera Mubasher

 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
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 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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About
 About Us

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 Awards

 Code of Ethics

 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

 Community Guidelines

 Work for us

 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

 Social

 Channel Finder

 TV Schedule

 Podcasts

 Newsletter

 Submit a Tip

 Directory

Our Channels
 Al Jazeera Arabic

 Al Jazeera English

 Al Jazeera Mubasher

 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

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 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Twitter
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About
 About Us

 Press Office

 Awards

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 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

 Community Guidelines

 Work for us

 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

 Social

 Channel Finder

 TV Schedule

 Podcasts

 Newsletter

 Submit a Tip

 Directory

Our Channels
 Al Jazeera Arabic

 Al Jazeera English

 Al Jazeera Mubasher

 Al Jazeera Documentary

 Al Jazeera Balkans

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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Twitter
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 YouTube

About
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 Awards

 Code of Ethics

 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

 Cookie Preferences

 Community Guidelines

 Work for us

 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

 Social

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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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Connect
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 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
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asdd
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asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Twitter
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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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About
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Connect
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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
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asdd
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asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
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ore about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

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 News
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 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

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Advertisement

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 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
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 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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Connect
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 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

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  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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  Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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About
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 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

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 Learn Arabic

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 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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About
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 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

 Social

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 Directory

Our Channels
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Our Network
 Jetty

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 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

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 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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About
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 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

 Social

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 Directory

Our Channels
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Our Network
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 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

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 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

 Social

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 Directory

Our Channels
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 Al Jazeera Mubasher

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Our Network
 Jetty

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 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

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 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
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 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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About
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 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

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 Social

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 Directory

Our Channels
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Our Network
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 Learn Arabic

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 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
asdd
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asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

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 Social

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Our Channels
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Our Network
 Jetty

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 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

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 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
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asdd
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asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
 Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".
Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized
the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
Crew in good health
The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.
 Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018
when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.

 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN

Iran says tanker crew

safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago



Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander
Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST

 Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday

 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.

"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of

the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.
The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship
with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.

"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew

members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said
the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
  Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement
Advertisement

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 HR Quality

Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

 Social

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 Submit a Tip

 Directory

Our Channels
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 Al Jazeera Mubasher

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Our Network
 Jetty

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 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Learn

more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.
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asdd
asdd
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 News
 AJ Impact
 Documentaries
 Shows
 Investigations
 Opinion
 In Pictures
 More

 Live


 NEWS
 /
 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
  Iran says tanker crew safe, warns UK against rising tensionstoday
 Twitter suspends accounts of Iranian media outletstoday
 The fake Twitter accounts influencing the Gulf crisistoday
 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libyatoday

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

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 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

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 NEWS
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 IRAN
 Iran says tanker crew
safe, warns UK against
rising tensions
Stena Impero's crew is in good health,
authorities say as they seek access to
'evidence' for a probe into alleged crash.
9 hours ago




Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, is seen at Bander

Abass port [Tasnim News Agency/Handout via Reuters]
MORE ON MIDDLE EAST
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 MSF and SOS Mediterranee restart rescue missions off Libya today

Iran has warned the United Kingdom against escalating

tensions between the two countries in the wake of its seizure of
a British-flagged oil tanker - an act the UK government has
called "hostile".

Britain has rejected Tehran's explanation that it seized

the Stena Impero on Friday because it had been involved in an
accident, and told its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a
major oil passageway.

The "UK government should contain those domestic political

forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and
the UK well beyond the issue of ships. This is quite dangerous
and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," Hamid
Baeidinejad, Iran's envoy to Britain, wrote on Twitter.

"Iran, however, is firm and ready for different scenarios," he

said.

His comments came a day after Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign

secretary, said Tehran's actions showed "worrying signs Iran
may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising
behaviour".

Hunt - who is also seeking to become the next leader of

Britain's Conservative party, and by default the country's
prime minister - called the seizure it a "tit-for-tat" situation, as
it came hours after a court in Gibraltar said it would extend by
30 days the detention of the Grace 1 Iranian tanker seized by
British authorities in the Mediterranean two weeks ago on
allegations of breaching UN sanctions against Syria.

Iran, which says the seized tanker risked maritime safety and
has opened an investigation, remained defiant. Foreign
Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's actions were
taken to "uphold" international maritime rules.
"The Revolutionary Guards responded to Britain's hijacking of
the Iranian tanker," parliament speaker Ali Larijani told a
parliament session aired live on state radio.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jaabari, reporting from Tehran said the

general feeling in the Iranian capital "is that the Iranians have
carried out what they believe is their due diligence when it
comes to securing the waters of the Strait of Hormuz."

Crew in good health

The vessel was impounded with its 23 crew members on board
at the port of Bandar Abbas after the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) seized it in the Strait of Hormuz on
Friday.

The IRGC on Saturday released video footage showing a ship

with the Stena Impero's markings being surrounded by
speedboats before commandos descended down a rope from a
helicopter onto the vessel.

Iran detained the oil tanker on allegations of failing to respond

to distress calls and turning off its transponder after hitting a
fishing boat.

Its crew is made up of 18 Indians, including the captain, three

Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.

India, Latvia and the Philippines said they had approached

Iran to seek the release of their nationals.

Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan

province port and maritime authority, told Iran's Press TV on
Sunday that the entire crew of the Stena Impero oil tanker was
in good health.

"We are ready to meet their needs. But we have to carry out
investigations with regards the vessel," he said.
"The investigation depends on the cooperation by the crew
members on the vessel, and also our access to the evidence
required for us to look into the matter."

Stena Bulk, the Sweden-based operator of the Stena Impero,

says the tanker was in "full compliance with all navigation and
international regulations".

'Tit-for-tat'
The seizure has heightened tension between Iran and Britain,
which is party to Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal. The
Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that London
was planning to target Iran with sanctions in the aftermath of
the tanker seizure.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Britain said

the tanker was approached by Iranian forces in Omani
territorial waters where it was exercising its lawful right of
passage, and that the action "constitutes illegal interference."

In a statement on Sunday, the Omani foreign ministry did not

comment on the ship's position but called on Iran and Britain
to use diplomacy to resolve the situation.

Oman, which maintains warm ties with Iran, said it was in

contact with all parties to secure safe passage for ships
through the vital Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to release
the vessel.

Germany and France have also called on Iran to release the

Stena Impero as the European Union voiced concern.

US-Iran friction
Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US
President Donald Trumpcalling off air raids against Iran at the
 last minute in June after Iranian forces downed a US drone,
and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

The latest incidents also came as Trump and US officials

insisted on Thursday, despite denials from Tehran, that the US
military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a
US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Tehran's archrival, said it would,

once again, host US troops on its soil to boost regional
security.

Iran and the US have been at loggerheads since May 2018

when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the nuclear
deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on it.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

 Middle East
 Iran
 United Kingdom
 Europe

Have your say.Give us feedback.

Sign up for ourNewsletter.
Advertisement

Advertisement

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 Terms and Conditions

 Privacy Policy

 Cookie Policy

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Connect
 Contact Us

 Apps

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Our Channels
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 Al Jazeera Mubasher

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 Al Jazeera Balkans

 AJ+

Our Network
 Jetty

 Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

 Al Jazeera Media Institute

 Learn Arabic

 Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights

 Al Jazeera Forum

 Al Jazeera Film Festival

 Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

© 2019 Al Jazeera Media Network

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more about how we use cookies or edit your cookie preferences.