Greek Tankers Seized by Iran Released After Almost 6 Months

Two Greek-flagged tankers that were seized by Iran in May 2022 were released on Wednesday and are on their way to the port of Piraeus in Greece.

After almost six months of negotiations between Athens and Tehran, “Prudent Warrior” and “Delta Poseidon” were eventually allowed to leave Iran.

The two tankers had been detained at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas since May 27, 2022. The two Greek ships had been boarded by the “Revolutionary Guards of Iran” in international waters.

Armed Revolutionary Guards were seen landing by navy helicopters on the Greek-flagged ship “Delta Poseidon,” which was sailing in international waters 22 nautical miles off the coast of Iran. Armed men then captured the ship’s crew, including two Greek citizens.

Οι "Φρουροί της Επανάστασης" του Ιράν δημοσίευσαν βίντεο από το ρεσάλτο εναντίον των δύο πλοίων με ελληνική σημαία την 27/5 pic.twitter.com/2YKdYi8P6M

— Κapoios Αllos 🌐 (@Kapoiosmpla) May 30, 2022

Athens said the seizure was “tantamount to acts of piracy,” demanded the immediate release of the crews, and called for the ships to be allowed to continue their journey.

Seizure of Greek tankers in retaliation for confiscation of Iranian vessel

The seizure of the two Greek tankers had been prompted by the confiscation of oil carried by the Iranian-flagged tanker “Lana” while it was anchored in the port of Piraeus, following a request for judicial assistance submitted to Greek authorities by the United States.

The oil shipment, owned by Iranian interests, was ultimately returned to the “Lana” by court order.

The crews of the two Greek tankers had already been replaced, while the seizure concerned only the two ships.

The tanker Lana has reportedly also left Piraeus port, bound for the port of Istanbul.