The United States on Monday strongly condemned the seizure of two Greek-flagged oil tankers in Gulf waters by Iran, demanded their immediate release, and tagged the abductions a “threat to maritime security.”
A statement by State Department spokesman Ned Price disclosed that Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken spoke over a call and concurred “that Iran must immediately release the seized vessels, their cargoes, and their crews.”
Price further opined that “Iran’s continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights and freedoms are a threat to maritime security and the global economy.”
“The United States stands with Greece, our key NATO Ally, and partner in the face of this unjustified seizure.”
Greek tankers were taken by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in the Gulf Friday, just days after Athens confirmed it would deliver Iranian oil it seized from a Russian tanker to Washington.
Tehran however confirmed on Saturday that the crews of the two tankers were in good condition and not under arrest. Greece said among the crews are nine of its citizens but did not disclose the number of other sailors inboard.
The Revolutionary Guards say they seized the tankers “due to violations” and didn’t disclose any further information.
Greece said one of the tankers was sailing in the international waters at the time of the abduction, while the other was near the Iranian coast.
