Iran releases British-Swedish tanker Stena Impero

(Patria) – The oil tanker Stena Impero, which Iran seized in July, has left the port of Bandar Abbas and sailed towards Dubai.

In a statement from the Swedish company Stena Bulk, which owns Stena Impero, it is stated that the ship has left the port and is heading towards Dubai, where the crew will disembark and undergo medical examinations and a briefing.

The tanker Stena Impero was sailing under the British flag through the Strait of Hormuz when it was stopped and subsequently detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guard for alleged violations of maritime traffic laws. The incident occurred two weeks after Great Britain seized an Iranian tanker near the territory of Gibraltar.

Iran had previously released 7 out of a total of 23 crew members.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the seizure order has been cancelled, but that the investigation into the ship continues. At the same time, representatives of the company Stena Bulk stated that they have no knowledge of any formal charges against the crew or the company.

The seizure of the tanker Stena Impero further raised tensions in the Gulf, especially after attacks on merchant ships in May and June, for which the US accused Iran, which denies involvement.