Tankers of Greek interests dTehran beckoned at Strait of Hormuz, in the early hours of Wednesday, local time. This is the super tanker (VLCC) Niovi, associated with the shipping company Smart Tankers. According to shipping circles, the tanker has been docked for maintenance without cargo for the past few months, and was impounded by Iranian forces.

Sources of the Greek Ministry of Shipping told Kathimerini that they are closely following the developments in order to safeguard Greek interests, within the framework of their competence.

The US Navy announced on Wednesday morning that the 309,164 dwt VLCC Niovi (built 2005) was surrounded by fast attack vessels of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps at around 6:20 am. local time, having left Dubai and headed for Fujairah. Iranian ships forced the vessel to reverse its course towards Fujairah and into Iranian territorial waters.

The US Navy announced on Wednesday morning that the 309,164 dwt VLCC Niovi (built 2005) was surrounded by fast attack vessels of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps around 6:20 am. local time, having left Dubai and headed for Fujairah. Iranian ships forced the vessel to reverse its course towards Fujairah and into Iranian territorial waters.

“Iran’s continued harassment of ships and interference with navigational rights in regional waters are unwarranted, irresponsible and a present threat to maritime security and the global economy”is highlighted in a statement from the Central Command of the US Naval Forces.

Maritime sources attribute Tehran’s action in retaliation for the seizure last week, in international waters, following a warrant issued following an appeal by the United States, of a tanker, also of Greek interests, allegedly carrying Iranian oil.

It is recalled that last year Tehran took similar action when the US Department of Justice, citing a bilateral legal assistance agreement between the US and Greece, requested the seizure of the cargo of the tanker Pegas or Lana, which sailed into Karystos Bay. The Greek-flagged Prudent Warrior and Delta Poseidon were engaged. The Greek government came to an agreement with the Iranian government in November, and the ships resolved disputes.