Great Britain will return tanker to Iran if it proves shipment was not intended for Syria

(Patria) – British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt stated that the Iranian tanker seized by the British navy near Gibraltar about ten days ago could be returned to Iran if it is proven that the shipment was not intended for Syria.

Hunt made this statement after what he described as a 'constructive phone call' with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

He added that he was encouraged that Iran 'has no desire to escalate the situation, but wants to resolve it, just like us'.

Earlier this month, Great Britain raised the navigation risk level in Iranian waters to 'critical'. Just a day later, Iranian ships attempted to stop a British oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman before being warned off by a British warship, writes Euronews.

Tensions have been rising since June 13 when two tankers were damaged in explosions in the Gulf of Oman, marking the second time tankers have been attacked in the region.

The US has accused Iran of the attacks, but Iran has categorically denied all accusations.