US attempts to block possible release of detained Iranian tanker

The United States on Thursday applied for the seizure of an Iranian oil tanker detained in Gibraltar which is at the centre of a stand-off between Tehran and London, the public prosecutor said.

The announcement by attorney Joseph Triay came ahead of a court decision on whether to extend the detention of Grace 1, which is suspected of smuggling oil to Syria and has been held since July 4.

"The US Department of Justice has applied to seize the Grace 1 on a number of allegations which are now being considered," the Gibraltar government said in a statement on Thursday. "The matter will return to the Supreme Court of Gibraltar at 4 pm (1400 GMT) today."

Just two weeks after the capture of the Grace 1, Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized a British tanker, the Stena Impero, accusing it of maritime violations.

The UK considers the seizure to have been an illegal retaliation.

The Gibraltar Supreme Court decision on the fate of Grace 1 has been adjourned until four pm (14:00 GMT).