Tensions between Iran and Britain seem to be escalating further in the wake of Iran’s seizure of a British-flagged tanker. In preparation for the next action to be taken, The Prime Minister of Britain, Theresa May, is expected to chair the government’s emergency committee Cobra. During the committee, she is set to receive updates from officials and ministers while at the same time putting into consideration security in the shipping area. This committee comes in the wake of reports that British ministers are considering freezing Iranian assets.

What Took Place?

The seizure of Steno Impero by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard comes weeks after Britain had a played a key role in seizing a tanker carrying Iranian oil.  Stena Impero was seized in the key shipping route of the State of Hormuz. This is after Tehran claimed the tanker to be in violation of “International maritime rules.” A video that was eventually released by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard happened to show the tanker being raided. There was also a recording of what transpired between the Iranian armed forces vessels and HMS Montrose before the tanker was seized.

Questions have been raised over the British government’s actions after HMS Montrose appeared to be too far away to stop the ship from being seized.  Iain Duncan, former Cabinet minister said the detention of the Grace 1 tanker carrying Iranian oil should have served as a warning British vessels in the Gulf region needed protection. He also seemed to wonder why the UK did not take the “assets” offered by the US to support its shipping. “This is a major failure and the government has to answer that charge very quickly indeed,” he said.

Whereabouts of the Tanker and Its Crew

Stena Impero is being held by Iranian forces in the port of Bandar Abbas, in southern Iran. Stena Bulk, a Swedish owner of the tanker, has already made a formal request to visit the 23 crew members who happen to be Russian, Latvian, Filipino and Indian. As per reports from Iran’s press TV, the crew are believed to be taken off the ship for questioning.Even though the crew and owners may not be British, the Stella Impero carries the UK flag.

What Tehran Has Said?

In a tweet, Jarad Zarif, Iran’s foreign minister said the UK “must cease being an accessory to #Economic Terrorism of the US.” He went on to guarantee the safety of the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz insisting Tehran’s action was to “uphold International maritime laws.” On the other hand, Iran’s ambassador to London has also warned the UK against heightening tension. In a tweet, he said ‘This is quite dangerous and unwise at a sensitive time in the region.’

As we await for the next action to be taken by the UK and Iran, it is yet to be known whether the crew members are in good condition considering they have not spoken with their relatives.