September 23, 2022
Iranian crude that the United States had drained from an Iranian tanker before a Greek court said it couldn’t do that has been pumped back on board the Iranian tanker but Iran has not yet freed two Greek tankers it seized in an effort to get the oil back.
All the oil was back in Iranian hands by August 14. But the two Greek tankers still remain Iranian hostages.
Greek diplomats are reportedly disappointed they have been unable to secure the release of the two tankers Iran detained in May in retaliation for Greece’s seizure of a Russian tanker seized as part of EU sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Russia then sold the tanker to Iran. The tanker, it was later learned, was carrying Iranian oil that Russia was trying help Iran market.
Published reports said a crisis manager from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs flew to Bandar Abbas, where the two tankers are being held, right after the Iranian oil was returned.
The ship-to-ship return of the oil was completed August 14 and the Iranian tanker was expected to return quickly to Iran. But it remains anchored in Greece amid rumors that the vessel is experiencing mechanical problems.
A report carried by the Greek newspaper Kathimerini said Iranian negotiators are placing additional conditions on the release of the two Greek-owned tankers. They are reportedly demanding an agreement that Greece will not take legal actions and seek compensation for Iran’s taking the two tankers hostage.
Greek tugs are reportedly reluctant to take the Iranian tanker under tow, fearing possible sanctions from the Americans for assisting a vessel that has been listed by the US since early 2022 for its involvement with the Iranian oil trade.
Nearly 50 mostly Greek and Filipino crewmembers remain caught in the political limbo between Greece and Iran. They have been held aboard their ships for three months with limited contact with their families and employers.
