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Iran and Greece reach tanker truce

Iran confirmed yesterday the release of two Greek tankers that it seized in May, while at the same time Athens has let a detained Iranian-flagged tanker leave its waters.

The Greek shipping ministry confirmed the vessels Prudent Warrior and Delta Poseidon had left Iran.

“Today is a very pleasant day for our sailors, but also for Greece in general, since an unpleasant and particularly complex case came to an end, following systematic efforts by the Greek government,” Greek shipping minister Giannis Plakiotakis said in a statement.

Greek authorities in April impounded the Iranian-flagged tanker Lana, formerly Pegas, and its oil cargo near the coast of Evia, due to sanctions following legal action by the United States. This arrest then triggered Iranian special forces to seize two Greek suezmaxes the following month.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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