Greece Orders Release of Seized Iranian Oil Tanker

Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) has reported Tuesday that Greece has freed the Iranian tanker Pegas, which was seized in April. They added Greece had ordered the return of the cargo.

The Pegas was impounded in April over ties to Russia, and the US wanted to take the cargo as another anti-Iran measure.

Last week, the Greek court overturned the ruling allowing the US to confiscate the cargo, following Iran’s appeal of the seizure. This ruling appears to be related to the ship’s ultimate release, though the US reportedly had already taken some of the cargo in May, meaning it’s unclear if or how Iran can get that back.

Iran labeled the initial seizure as piracy, and retaliated by taking two Greek tankers carrying Iraqi oil. Those tankers, Prudent Warrior and Delta Poseidon, have been taken to Iran. Iran’s President Raisi said the seizure of the Greek tankers proved the era of “hit and runs” is over.