Iran releases two Greek tankers seized in May

Iran releases two Greek tankers seized in May

ATHENS/LONDON: Iran has released two Greek-flagged tankers that it seized in the Gulf in May, the Greek shipping ministry said on Wednesday, ending a months-long diplomatic impasse which has strained relations between Athens and Tehran. Iran detained the tankers in response to the confiscation of oil by the United States from an Iranian-flagged tanker off the Greek coast, fueling bilateral tensions amid a broader deterioration in relations between Iran and the West. “The final agreement was reached today in Tehran,” the ministry said in a statement, confirming an earlier Reuters report of a deal. Ship tracking data showed the vessels, Delta Poseidon and Prudent Warrior, were underway from Iran. Delta Tankers confirmed in a statement that its vessel was released on Wednesday and said the tanker was sailing to the United Arab Emirates port of Fujairah for inspections before returning to Greece, its original destination. “This is very good news and we are grateful to all those involved with securing this release. The crew are well and pleased to be on their way after many months,” the company said. The Prudent Warrior’s destination was listed as the United Arab Emirates port of Khor Fakkan, according to Eikon data. Polembros shipping,