Iran maintains threat of closing Hormuz,incenses UK with vessel seizures

摘要

On July 19,Iran's Revolutionary Guard seized the UK-flagged Stena Impero after Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization had requested that the military guide the tanker to the port at Bandar Abbas for investigations due to reports of the vessel causing problems.The Tasnim New Agency(affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard)reported the seizure was carried out because the Stena Impero turned off its GPS,entered the Strait of Hormuz through the exit,and ignored warnings.On the same day,armed guards boarded the Liberian-flagged,UK-owned Mesdar,but it was shortly released.UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt warned of”serious consequences”if the Stena Impero is not released and referred to the seizures as”completely unacceptable.”A July 20 statement from vessel-owner Stena Bulk indicated the Bandar Abbas Port's Head of Marine Affairs had not yet received any instructions regarding the ship,but that it was anchored nearby at Bandar Bahonar and that its crew members were in”good health.”