The British Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Jeremy Hunt. (Image via: 5Pillars)

We Are Robust, Not Brutal: UK's Foreign Minister

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Politics & Economic
International
Jul 20, 2019
2060
LONDON - Iran just loves turning its back to the world. As if the tension between it and the U.S is not enough, now it challenges the United Kingdom. On Friday (19/7), Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had “confiscated” a British oil tanker, the Stena Impero, in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic shipping routes. Iran accused the oil tanker of disrespecting international maritime rules.

The owner and operator of the Stena Impero, Stena Bulk and Northern Marine, lost contact of the ship which brought 23 men with it. The last thing recorded from the transmission was that the British-flagged tanker was approached by helicopter and other ships, and the Steno Impero then headed toward Iran.

Not only the Steno Impero but also the Mesdar – a British-operated tanker from Liberia – also headed to Iran after passing through the Strait of Hormuz. However, later on, the Mesdar was acquitted and allowed to continue its route.

Regarding the confiscation, British Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Jeremy Hunt, said that the UK would take diplomatic measures, by putting aside military options. To the reporters, Hunt said that the UK had already put forth a robust, diplomatic measure for the confiscation. However, he added in the end that if Iran failed to comply, there would be serious consequences.

But, when it comes to choosing between the 2 options, Hunt said that the UK preferred diplomatic, peaceful measures.

On 4 July, the British Navy Force also confiscated Iranian-operated, Panama-flagged oil tanker for smuggling oil to Syria, violating European Union (EU) sanctions. On 12 July, Iran requested the UK to set it free. For the confiscation, Iran promised retaliation to come, and this might be it.

Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/foreign-secretary-eyes-diplomacy-not-military-options-in-iran-standoff/30065978.html

Politics , Oil , UK , Iran , Confiscation , Conflict , Maritime