US moves to block release of Iranian tanker by Gibraltar
The bid could thwart attempts by authorities in London and the British overseas territory to calm tensions with Tehran.
Thursday 15 August 2019 15:25, UK
The US is trying to stop the release of an Iranian tanker held on suspicion of smuggling oil to Syria, Gibraltar's government has confirmed.
Washington has applied to seize the Grace 1 tanker, which was commandeered by Royal Marines in the Mediterranean last month.
The development seemingly thwarts attempts by authorities in London and the British overseas territory to calm tensions with Tehran.
The ship was suspected of smuggling oil to Syria in breach of EU sanctions.
"The US Department of Justice has applied to seize the Grace 1 on a number of allegations which are now being considered," the government of the British overseas territory said.
"The matter will return to the Supreme Court of Gibraltar at 4pm today (3pm UK time)."
The Justice Department has yet to comment, while the Foreign Office said that the "investigations conducted around the Grace 1 are a matter for the government of Gibraltar" and could not comment further as the investigation was ongoing.
Gibraltar had been due to release the vessel just hours before the application, the Gibraltar Chronicle newspaper reported.
The captain and three officers who were on board Grace 1 when it was seized have been released, the newspaper added.
Grace 1's detention has further increased tensions with Iran.
In response, the country's Revolutionary Guard seized the British-flagged Stena Impero in the Gulf, with the vessel still held by Iran.
Analysts had expressed hope that the release of Grace 1 would have resulted in a reciprocal move by Tehran.