Iran releases seven crew members of seized British-flagged tanker

Iran has still not released the British tanker seized in the Strait of Hormuz in July.

1 min read

05 September, 2019

Iran seized the British-flagged tanker in July [Getty-file photo]

Seven members of the crew of a British tanker seized by Iran have been released, the ship owner said on Thursday.

The ship owner said the seven sailors from the British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero have been flown out of Iran, according to a statement from CEO Erik Hanell.

Iran has not confirmed or denied the reports.

Iran seized the tanker on July, saying it broke Iranian laws.

The action was wider considered to be in response to the detainment of an Iranian tanker at Gibraltar, said to be to be carrying fuel to Syria, violating EU sanctions.

The Iranian vessel was released in August, but Tehran has still not released the British tanker.

The remaining 16 crew members are to stay onboard the vessel.

Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated since Washington pulled out of a nuclear deal and slapped tough new sanctions on Tehran.

The latest sanctions issued by the US have targeted Iran's shipping networks, in a bid to stem oil exports particularly supplies to Syria.