Iran warns US against oil tanker seizure as ship leaves Gibraltar

TEHRAN, Aug 19 (MENA) - Iran has warned the US against attempting to seize an Iranian oil tanker in open seas after after its release from Gibraltar, Russia Today channel reported.

The tanker, which has been caught in a standoff between Tehran and the west, was sailing for Greece on Monday, shipping data showed, hours after the British territory rejected a US request to detain the vessel further.

MarineTraffic reported its destination as the Peloponnesian city of Kalamata.

Asked whether the US might renew its seizure request after the tanker sailed from Gibraltar, an Iranian foreign ministry said: “Such an action … would endanger shipping safety in open seas. We have issued a warning through official channels, especially the Swiss embassy.”

Switzerland represents US interests in Iran. Tehran has no official diplomatic relations with Washington.