Iran Seizes Tanker as Tensions Between Iran and U.S. Remain High
Iran Seizes Tanker as Tensions Between Iran and U.S. Remain High
Iran said Sunday it seized another foreign oil tanker. The Revolutionary Guard said that the vessel was from Iraq and carrying smuggled diesel fuel through the Persian Gulf.
Iraq has denied the accusation, saying it “does not export diesel to the international market.” This is the third vessel seized by Iran in recent weeks, including the British Stena Impero, which is still being held after it was captured in the Strait of Hormuz last month. That followed Britain’s seizure of an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar, which Britain accused of breaching international sanctions.
In more news from Iran, government officials confirmed reports that Iran turned down an invitation for Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to visit the White House for talks last month. The invitation preceded the imposition of U.S. sanctions on Zarif, whom the Trump administration branded “a propaganda minister.” Iran has accused the U.S. of shutting down any possibility for talks between the two countries by sanctioning its top diplomat.
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Source Democracy Now