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Added on the 13/06/2019 07:28:46 - Copyright : Wochit
The United States demands that Iran immediately release a ship seized off Oman's coast in avowed retaliation for US actions. "The Iranian government must immediately release the ship and its crew. This unlawful seizure of a commercial vessel is just the latest behavior by Iran or enabled by Iran aimed at disrupting international commerce," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
The United States calls for Iran to free a Panama-flagged oil tanker seized in the Strait of Hormuz, the second vessel Tehran's forces have taken control of in a week. "Iran's harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional and international waters are contrary to international law and disruptive to regional stability and security," says State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel during a press briefing. SOUNDBITE
In the 4th century BC, the ancient Sanskrit treatise, the Arthashastra, said 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.' According to Business Insider, Iran and Venezuela may be taking that to heart as their relationship grows ever closer. While the nations are US President Donald Trump's most frequent foreign-policy targets, Iran has been sending oil tankers directly to Venezuela. In September, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US would place more sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Pompeo accused Maduro's government of working with Tehran 'to flout the UN arms embargo.' US officials say intervening to stop Iranian tankers from reaching Venezuela was an option, raising concerns Trump may seek a confrontation before the election.
Lawyers arrive at Gibraltar Supreme Court for a decision on whether an Iranian oil tanker seized last month near the tiny British territory can be held longer amid speculation that it might soon be released. The decision has been adjourned until 14:00 GMT. IMAGES
British ministers and the Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter arrive at the Cabinet Office on Whitehall ahead of a meeting of Britain's emergencies committee over the seizure of a UK-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf. IMAGES
An Iranian oil tanker is still being detained in Gibraltar, after being stopped on Thursday 4 July by Gibraltar police and customs agencies who suspect the tanker was carrying crude oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions. IMAGES
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