Iran has claimed that it released seven Indian crew members aboard the 'Stena Impero', the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-release-seven-crew-members-of-detained-british-tanker-247585">British-flagged oil tanker</a>, seized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in July, the country's foreign ministry spokesperson Abbas Mousavi said on Wednesday.

"We don't have any problem with the crew and captain of the ship. The ship has been stopped because of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seizure-of-british-flagged-tanker-clear-violation-of-international-law-uk-chamber-of-shipping-237519">violation of laws</a> and it is natural to detain the crew with the ship," Mousavi was quoted by CNN as saying citing Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency.

"However, the consular status and individual permits of the crew were reviewed and after further consideration and also on humanitarian grounds, some of the crew were allowed to leave the ship and return to daily life," he said.

Erik Hanell, the CEO of Stena Bulk, the Swedish firm that operates the vessel, said he got confirmation from Iranian authorities that the seven crew members will be released.

"They are still on board the ship as far as we know, so now we are awaiting more information about when they will be safely transported out of the country. We have had ongoing communication with the Iranian authorities during the last few days, and we hope to get more information today," Hanell said.

Amid tensions between the US and Iran, the Stena Impero was captured by the IRGC in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19.

As many as 23 crew members, including 18 Indian nationals were on board the vessel.

A short clip of the captured crew members was released by Tehran, showing them chatting in a meeting room, cooking in the ship`s kitchen and operating the vessel's systems.

India had recently availed consular access to the 18 Indian crew members on board the UK-registered ship.

The vessel is currently at Bandar Shahid Bahonar, which is a short distance from Iran's Bandar Abbas port.&nbsp;

Iran has claimed that it released seven Indian crew members aboard the 'Stena Impero', the British-flagged oil tanker, seized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in July, the country's foreign ministry spokesperson Abbas Mousavi said on Wednesday.

Iran has claimed that it released seven Indian crew members aboard the 'Stena Impero', the British-flagged oil tanker, seized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in July, the country's foreign ministry spokesperson Abbas Mousavi said on Wednesday. "We don't have any problem with the crew and captain of the ship. The ship has been stopped because of its violation of laws and it is natural to detain the crew with the ship," Mousavi was quoted by CNN as saying citing Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency. "However, the consular status and individual permits of the crew were reviewed and after further consideration and also on humanitarian grounds, some of the crew were allowed to leave the ship and return to daily life," he said. Erik Hanell, the CEO of Stena Bulk, the Swedish firm that operates the vessel, said he got confirmation from Iranian authorities that the seven crew members will be released. "They are still on board the ship as far as we know, so now we are awaiting more information about when they will be safely transported out of the country. We have had ongoing communication with the Iranian authorities during the last few days, and we hope to get more information today," Hanell said. Amid tensions between the US and Iran, the Stena Impero was captured by the IRGC in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19. As many as 23 crew members, including 18 Indian nationals were on board the vessel. A short clip of the captured crew members was released by Tehran, showing them chatting in a meeting room, cooking in the ship`s kitchen and operating the vessel's systems. India had recently availed consular access to the 18 Indian crew members on board the UK-registered ship. The vessel is currently at Bandar Shahid Bahonar, which is a short distance from Iran's Bandar Abbas port.

Iran releases 7 Indian crew members from seized British tanker

Iran will free seven crew members of the detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero, Iranian state television reported on Wednesday, although the vessel's owner said it had yet to receive any official confirmation of the release date.

Iran will free seven crew members of the detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero, Iranian state television reported on Wednesday, although the vessel's owner said it had yet to receive any official confirmation of the release date. The Swedish-owned Stena Impero was detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on July 19 in the Strait of Hormuz waterway for alleged marine violations, two weeks after Britain detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar. That vessel was released in August. Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told the TV that the seven, who include Indian citizens, were allowed to leave the tanker on humanitarian grounds and could leave Iran soon. "We have no problem with the crew and the captain and the issue is violations that the vessel committed," Mousavi said. The Stena Impero's 23 seafarers are of Indian, Russian, Latvian and Filipino nationality, the vessel's Swedish owner Stena Bulk has said. "We are very pleased that for seven crew members their ordeal may soon be over, and they may return to their families, however we cautiously await official confirmation of their release date," Erik Hanell, Stena Bulk's president and chief executive, said in a statement. "We view this communication as a positive step on the way to the release of all the remaining crew, which has always been our primary concern and focus." The company said the remaining 16 crew members would remain onboard to safely operate the vessel. Vessels attacked Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive of the UK Chamber of Shipping trade association, said Iran had to immediately release the remaining mariners once the seven crew had been freed. "The ship was in international waters when it was detained and was in full compliance with all navigation and international regulations," Sanguinetti said. "The Chamber will continue to work with the UK Government to ensure the free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz." Several international merchant vessels have been attacked in the Gulf this year in incidents that have rocked world commodity trading. Washington blames Iran, which denies the accusation. Iran has denounced US efforts to set up a coalition and says countries in the region can protect waterways and work towards signing a non-aggression pact. The seizure of the Adrian Darya 1 Iranian tanker exacerbated tensions between Tehran and the West that have been growing since the United States last year quit an international accord curbing Iran’s nuclear program and reimposed economic sanctions. The Revolutionary Guards said separately on Wednesday that its navy detained seven trawling vessels with 24 foreign crew near the mouth of the Gulf for fishing too close to Iran's coast and other violations, the ISNA news agency reported. A Guards statement did not give the crews' nationalities, but Iranian media have often carried reports of complaints from local fishermen about Chinese ships active in bottom trawling, which involves dragging a large net across the seafloor.

Iran to release seven crew members of detained British tanker

Japan will not join a US-led security mission to protect merchant vessels passing through key Middle Eastern waterways, but will consider deploying its naval force independently, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Though the United States is Japan's most important ally, Tokyo has fostered economic ties with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-eu-over-nuclear-commitments-as-deadline-for-further-steps-looms-247187">Iran</a>, and Japanese firms had been major buyers of Iranian oil until US sanctions forced them to find other suppliers.

Citing unidentified government sources, the Yomiuri said Japan was considering a plan to send its Maritime Self-Defense Force (SDF) on information-gathering missions in the areas around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab shipping lane between Yemen, Djibouti and Eritrea.

It would also consider including the Strait of Hormuz in the SDF's sphere of activity if Iran agrees, the paper said.

Asked about the newspaper report, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga declined to mention specific measures that the government was considering to ensure the safety of Japanese vessels.

"As for what kind of steps would be effective to secure the safety of navigation of Japanese ships in the Middle East, we would like to look into the matter from various angles including stable crude oil supply, and Japan's ties with the United States and Iran," Suga told a regular news conference.

"As we investigate the issue, we want to keep our principle of maintaining our diplomatic effort for easing tensions and stabilising the situation in the Middle East."

Iran has denounced US efforts to set up the coalition and says countries in the region can protect waterways and work towards signing a non-aggression pact.

The Japanese government is set to make a final decision, including whether the plan is feasible, after the United Nations General Assembly later this month, the Yomiuri said.

Suga said arrangements are being made for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly later this month.

Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-sends-another-warship-to-gulf-245373">British tanker</a> and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels that the US and Britain have blamed on Iran. Tehran denies involvement.

Britain last month became the first US ally to announce its participation, although most European countries have been reluctant to sign up for fear of adding to tension in the region.

Japan will not join a US-led security mission to protect merchant vessels passing through key Middle Eastern waterways, but will consider deploying its naval force independently, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Japan will not join a US-led security mission to protect merchant vessels passing through key Middle Eastern waterways, but will consider deploying its naval force independently, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Tuesday. Though the United States is Japan's most important ally, Tokyo has fostered economic ties with Iran, and Japanese firms had been major buyers of Iranian oil until US sanctions forced them to find other suppliers. Citing unidentified government sources, the Yomiuri said Japan was considering a plan to send its Maritime Self-Defense Force (SDF) on information-gathering missions in the areas around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab shipping lane between Yemen, Djibouti and Eritrea. It would also consider including the Strait of Hormuz in the SDF's sphere of activity if Iran agrees, the paper said. Asked about the newspaper report, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga declined to mention specific measures that the government was considering to ensure the safety of Japanese vessels. "As for what kind of steps would be effective to secure the safety of navigation of Japanese ships in the Middle East, we would like to look into the matter from various angles including stable crude oil supply, and Japan's ties with the United States and Iran," Suga told a regular news conference. "As we investigate the issue, we want to keep our principle of maintaining our diplomatic effort for easing tensions and stabilising the situation in the Middle East." Iran has denounced US efforts to set up the coalition and says countries in the region can protect waterways and work towards signing a non-aggression pact. The Japanese government is set to make a final decision, including whether the plan is feasible, after the United Nations General Assembly later this month, the Yomiuri said. Suga said arrangements are being made for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly later this month. Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of a British tanker and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels that the US and Britain have blamed on Iran. Tehran denies involvement. Britain last month became the first US ally to announce its participation, although most European countries have been reluctant to sign up for fear of adding to tension in the region.

Japan won't join US-led maritime coalition in Gulf: Report

Australia will join the United States in a coalition of countries protecting oil tankers and cargo ships from threats posed by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday.

Australia will join the United States in a coalition of countries protecting oil tankers and cargo ships from threats posed by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday. "This destabilising behaviour is a threat to Australia's interests in the region," Morrison told a news conference in Canberra. "The government has decided that it is in Australia's national interest to work with our international partners to contribute. Our contribution will be limited in scope and it will be time-bound," he said. Morrison said Australia will send a P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane to the Middle East for one month before the end of 2019, while an Australian frigate will be deployed in January 2020 for six months. Australia's deployment will expand U.S-led efforts to secure the strait, which lies between Oman and Iran and through which almost a fifth of the world's oil passes, after tensions spiked between Iran and Britain. Washington, which has by far the strongest Western naval contingent in the Gulf, has been calling for its allies to join it in an operation to guard shipping. However, European countries, which disagree with a U.S. decision to impose sanctions on Iran, have been reluctant to sign up to a U.S.-led mission for fear of adding to tension in the region.

Australia says it will join US-led defence effort in Strait of Hormuz

If Iran's oil exports are cut to zero, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-facilitate-iranian-tanker-to-deliver-oil-to-syria-greece-244605">international waterways</a> will not have the same security as before, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday at a meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Khamenei's official website.

"World powers know that in the case that oil is completely sanctioned and Iran's oil exports are brought down to zero, international waterways can't have the same security as before," Rouhani said. "So unilateral pressure against Iran can't be to their advantage and won't guarantee their security in the region and the world."

Australia meanwhile said it would&nbsp;join the United States in a security mission to protect merchant vessels travelling through key Middle East waterways after Iran seized a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-act-if-iranian-tanker-tries-to-deliver-oil-to-syria-pompeo-244531">British-flagged vessel</a>.

Foremost among the areas to be patrolled is the Strait of Hormuz, between Oman and Iran, through which about one-fifth of the world's seaborne crude flows out of the Gulf.

Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of the British tanker and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels that the US&nbsp;and Britain have blamed on Iran, though it denies involvement. Britain this month became the first US ally to announce its participation.

"This destabilising behaviour is a threat to Australia's interests in the region," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told a news conference in Canberra. "Our contribution will be limited in scope and it will be time-bound."

Morrison said Australia would send a P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane to the Middle East for one month before the end of 2019, while an Australian frigate would be deployed for six months from January.

Australia is a staunch ally of the United States, which in recent months has urged partners to do more for global security.

Most European countries, which disagree with the US decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran, have been reluctant to sign up to the US-led mission for fear of adding to tension in the region.

President Donald Trump had withdrawn the US from a big-power deal in 2018 that had scrapped international sanctions in return for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme.

If Iran's oil exports are cut to zero, international waterways will not have the same security as before, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday at a meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Khamenei's official website.

If Iran's oil exports are cut to zero, international waterways will not have the same security as before, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday at a meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Khamenei's official website. "World powers know that in the case that oil is completely sanctioned and Iran's oil exports are brought down to zero, international waterways can't have the same security as before," Rouhani said. "So unilateral pressure against Iran can't be to their advantage and won't guarantee their security in the region and the world." Australia meanwhile said it would join the United States in a security mission to protect merchant vessels travelling through key Middle East waterways after Iran seized a British-flagged vessel. Foremost among the areas to be patrolled is the Strait of Hormuz, between Oman and Iran, through which about one-fifth of the world's seaborne crude flows out of the Gulf. Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of the British tanker and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels that the US and Britain have blamed on Iran, though it denies involvement. Britain this month became the first US ally to announce its participation. "This destabilising behaviour is a threat to Australia's interests in the region," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told a news conference in Canberra. "Our contribution will be limited in scope and it will be time-bound." Morrison said Australia would send a P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane to the Middle East for one month before the end of 2019, while an Australian frigate would be deployed for six months from January. Australia is a staunch ally of the United States, which in recent months has urged partners to do more for global security. Most European countries, which disagree with the US decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran, have been reluctant to sign up to the US-led mission for fear of adding to tension in the region. President Donald Trump had withdrawn the US from a big-power deal in 2018 that had scrapped international sanctions in return for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme.

International waterways won't be safe if Iran oil exports cut to zero: President Rouhani

Britain's Mediterranean territory Gibraltar decided on Thursday to free a seized <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/24-indians-aboard-iranian-tanker-grace-1-get-released-minister-confirms-in-tweet-243193">Iranian oil tanker</a>, but did not immediately indicate when or if the ship would set sail after the United States launched a new, last-minute legal bid to hold it.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-seeks-to-seize-the-iranian-vessel-in-gibraltar-report-243135">Grace 1 was seized by British Royal Marine commandos</a> in darkness off the coast of the territory at the western mouth of the Mediterranean on July 4 on suspicion of violating European Union sanctions by taking oil to Syria.

Two weeks later, Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz leading into the Gulf.

The two tankers have become pawns in the standoff between Iran and the West, their fate tangled up in the diplomatic differences between the EU's big powers and the United States.

Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo decided to lift the detention order after formal written assurances from Tehran that the ship would not discharge its 2.1 million barrels of oil in Syria.

"In light of the assurances we have received, there are no longer any reasonable grounds for the continued legal detention of the Grace 1 in order to ensure compliance with the EU Sanctions Regulation," Picardo said.

Watch: Iran-UK Oil Tanker Seizure Row

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However, Gibraltar officials did not make clear whether the US legal bid would mean the ship would have to be detained further, or if so, for how long.

"Separately, the United States Department of Justice has requested that a new legal procedure for the detention of the vessel should be commenced," Picardo said. "That is a matter for our independent Mutual Legal Assistance authorities who will make an objective, legal determination of that request for separate proceedings."

Iran said the ship would sail shortly. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif characterised the US bid to prevent it from leaving as "piracy".

"America desperately tried to block the release of the tanker at the last minute, but faced a miserable defeat," Iran's ambassador to London, Hamid Baeidinejad, said on Twitter.

"All preparations are done for the tanker to sail into open waters, and the vessel will soon leave Gibraltar."

Britain's foreign office said Iran must abide by its pledge that the ship would not sail for Syria. There was "no comparison or linkage between Iran's unacceptable and illegal seizure of, and attacks on, commercial shipping vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the enforcement of EU Syria sanctions by the Government of Gibraltar," it added in a statement.

Britain has been in a delicate diplomatic position since seizing the ship. The United States is its closest ally, but like other European countries it disagrees with US President Donald Trump's hardline policy on Iran, after Trump pulled out of a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers last year.

Several diplomatic sources have said Britain seized the vessel at the request of the United States, although Gibraltar denies that it was ordered to do so.

Although Britain and Iran have both denied that they would swap the tankers for each other, there has been a widespread expectation that the British-flagged Stena Impero would not be freed until the Iranian tanker is released.

Tanker pawns

Erik Hanell, CEO and president of the owner of the Stena Impero, Stena Bulk, said, "Any event which contributes in any way" to getting the crew of its ship free in Iran "must be viewed as positive".

European countries including Britain strongly disagreed with Washington's decision last year to abandon the 2015 nuclear deal, an international agreement that guaranteed Iran access to trade in return for curbs to its atomic programme.

Washington has imposed sanctions on Iran with the aim of halting its oil exports altogether. European countries have lifted sanctions against Iran itself, although they still have a ban on selling oil to Syria, in place since 2011.

Britain, which has insisted its Iran policy will not change under new Prime Minister Boris Johnson who took office last month, has repeatedly indicated it wants a compromise over the tanker.

US national security adviser John Bolton visited London on Sunday to Tuesday, offering Washington's help on Britain's exit from the EU, due on Oct. 31. Britain has announced plans to join a US-led maritime security mission in the Gulf.

Britain's Mediterranean territory Gibraltar decided on Thursday to free a seized Iranian oil tanker, but did not immediately indicate when or if the ship would set sail after the United States launched a new, last-minute legal bid to hold it.

Britain's Mediterranean territory Gibraltar decided on Thursday to free a seized Iranian oil tanker, but did not immediately indicate when or if the ship would set sail after the United States launched a new, last-minute legal bid to hold it. The Grace 1 was seized by British Royal Marine commandos in darkness off the coast of the territory at the western mouth of the Mediterranean on July 4 on suspicion of violating European Union sanctions by taking oil to Syria. Two weeks later, Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz leading into the Gulf. The two tankers have become pawns in the standoff between Iran and the West, their fate tangled up in the diplomatic differences between the EU's big powers and the United States. Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo decided to lift the detention order after formal written assurances from Tehran that the ship would not discharge its 2.1 million barrels of oil in Syria. "In light of the assurances we have received, there are no longer any reasonable grounds for the continued legal detention of the Grace 1 in order to ensure compliance with the EU Sanctions Regulation," Picardo said. Watch: Iran-UK Oil Tanker Seizure Row × However, Gibraltar officials did not make clear whether the US legal bid would mean the ship would have to be detained further, or if so, for how long. "Separately, the United States Department of Justice has requested that a new legal procedure for the detention of the vessel should be commenced," Picardo said. "That is a matter for our independent Mutual Legal Assistance authorities who will make an objective, legal determination of that request for separate proceedings." Iran said the ship would sail shortly. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif characterised the US bid to prevent it from leaving as "piracy". "America desperately tried to block the release of the tanker at the last minute, but faced a miserable defeat," Iran's ambassador to London, Hamid Baeidinejad, said on Twitter. "All preparations are done for the tanker to sail into open waters, and the vessel will soon leave Gibraltar." Britain's foreign office said Iran must abide by its pledge that the ship would not sail for Syria. There was "no comparison or linkage between Iran's unacceptable and illegal seizure of, and attacks on, commercial shipping vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the enforcement of EU Syria sanctions by the Government of Gibraltar," it added in a statement. Britain has been in a delicate diplomatic position since seizing the ship. The United States is its closest ally, but like other European countries it disagrees with US President Donald Trump's hardline policy on Iran, after Trump pulled out of a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers last year. Several diplomatic sources have said Britain seized the vessel at the request of the United States, although Gibraltar denies that it was ordered to do so. Although Britain and Iran have both denied that they would swap the tankers for each other, there has been a widespread expectation that the British-flagged Stena Impero would not be freed until the Iranian tanker is released. Tanker pawns Erik Hanell, CEO and president of the owner of the Stena Impero, Stena Bulk, said, "Any event which contributes in any way" to getting the crew of its ship free in Iran "must be viewed as positive". European countries including Britain strongly disagreed with Washington's decision last year to abandon the 2015 nuclear deal, an international agreement that guaranteed Iran access to trade in return for curbs to its atomic programme. Washington has imposed sanctions on Iran with the aim of halting its oil exports altogether. European countries have lifted sanctions against Iran itself, although they still have a ban on selling oil to Syria, in place since 2011. Britain, which has insisted its Iran policy will not change under new Prime Minister Boris Johnson who took office last month, has repeatedly indicated it wants a compromise over the tanker. US national security adviser John Bolton visited London on Sunday to Tuesday, offering Washington's help on Britain's exit from the EU, due on Oct. 31. Britain has announced plans to join a US-led maritime security mission in the Gulf.

Gibraltar decides to free seized Iranian tanker; US opens new case to hold it

The United States is acting alone against Tehran and its allies are too "ashamed" to join its forces in the Gulf, Iran's top diplomat said Monday, dismissing its calls for talks as a sham.

The United States is acting alone against Tehran and its allies are too "ashamed" to join its forces in the Gulf, Iran's top diplomat said Monday, dismissing its calls for talks as a sham. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also confirmed he turned down an offer to meet President Donald Trump last month despite the threat of US sanctions against him. "Today the United States in alone in the world and cannot create a coalition. Countries that are its friends are too ashamed of being in a coalition with them," Zarif told a news conference in Tehran. "They brought this situation upon themselves, with lawbreaking, by creating tensions and crises." Tehran and Washington have been locked in a battle of nerves since May 2018 when Trump withdrew the United States from a landmark 2015 deal placing limits on Iran's nuclear programme and began reimposing sanctions. Tensions have soared since the Trump administration began stepping up a US campaign of "maximum pressure" against Iran, with drones downed and tankers mysteriously attacked in Gulf waters. At the height of the crisis, Trump called off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute in June after the Islamic republic's forces shot down a US drone. Iran said on Sunday its forces seized a "foreign" tanker carrying smuggled fuel in what would be the third such seizure in less than a month in Gulf waters - a conduit for much of the world's crude oil. On July 18, the Guards said they had detained the Panama-flagged MT Riah for alleged fuel smuggling. A day later, they announced they had impounded the British-flagged Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules". In response to such incidents, the United States has been seeking to form a coalition whose mission - dubbed Operation Sentinel - it says is to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Gulf. However, it has been struggling to build such a coalition, with European countries reticent and believed to be concerned about being dragged into a possible conflict. Arsonist cannot be fireman "An arsonist cannot be a fireman," said Zarif, adding that since the Americans had come to the Gulf there was nothing but "violence, war and slaughter". Asked about reports he had been invited to meet Trump in the White House, Zarif said he had turned it down despite the threat of sanctions against him. "I was told in New York I would be sanctioned in two weeks unless I accepted that offer, which fortunately I did not," Iran's top diplomat said. The New Yorker magazine reported on Friday that Senator Rand Paul met Zarif in the US on July 15 and had Trump's blessing when he extended an invitation to the Iranian minister to go to the White House. The United States imposed sanctions against Zarif on Wednesday, targeting any assets he has in America and squeezing his ability to function as a globe-trotting diplomat. The designation of Zarif under the same sanctions already applied to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the latest in a series of US moves against Iran. Zarif dismissed as disingenuous US "claims" that it wants to engage in dialogue with Iran. "They were the ones who left the table, sanctioned the foreign minister of Iran, sanctioned the highest authority of the Islamic republic. Who do they want to negotiate with?" he said. "The US only wants to impose its will on the Islamic republic. "They should not expect us to negotiate as long as they engage in economic terrorism." But Zarif did not rule out talks in the future. "In my view negotiations and diplomacy will never end. Negotiation has always been and will always be on my agenda. Even in times of war negotiations will exist." Zarif said he did not believe Trump would go to war with Iran unless hawks around him like his national security adviser John Bolton and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had their way. "I believe Mr Trump does not seek war. But Mr Bolton and Netanyahu have always sought war," he said. "They're willing to fight their wars till the last American soldier."

Iran says US acting alone as allies 'ashamed'

Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-seizes-foreign-vessel-smuggling-fuel-state-media-240586">foreign oil tanker in the Gulf</a> which they said was smuggling fuel and detained seven crewmen, Iran's state media reported on Sunday (August 4).

The vessel was intercepted near Iran's Farsi Island in the Gulf on Wednesday (August 1), Iran's semi-official Fars news agency said.

The elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has a navy base on Farsi Island which is located north of the Strait of Hormuz. Its commander Ramezan Zirahi told state TV that the tanker was carrying 700,000 litres of fuel, without elaborating on the nationalities of the detained crewmen and the identity of the ship.

He added that the tanker "was transferred to the Bushehr port, where its fuel was handed over to the authorities."

Iran, which has some of the world's cheapest fuel prices due to heavy state subsidies and the fall of its currency, has been fighting rampant fuel smuggling by land to neighbouring countries and by sea to Gulf Arab states.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf which they said was smuggling fuel and detained seven crewmen, Iran's state media reported on Sunday (August 4).

Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf which they said was smuggling fuel and detained seven crewmen, Iran's state media reported on Sunday (August 4). The vessel was intercepted near Iran's Farsi Island in the Gulf on Wednesday (August 1), Iran's semi-official Fars news agency said. The elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has a navy base on Farsi Island which is located north of the Strait of Hormuz. Its commander Ramezan Zirahi told state TV that the tanker was carrying 700,000 litres of fuel, without elaborating on the nationalities of the detained crewmen and the identity of the ship. He added that the tanker "was transferred to the Bushehr port, where its fuel was handed over to the authorities." Iran, which has some of the world's cheapest fuel prices due to heavy state subsidies and the fall of its currency, has been fighting rampant fuel smuggling by land to neighbouring countries and by sea to Gulf Arab states.

Iranian state TV shows 'smuggled fuel' aboard a seized foreign oil tanker

The United States is struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, with allies concerned about being dragged into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-seizes-foreign-vessel-smuggling-fuel-state-media-240586">conflict with Iran</a>.

Tensions have risen in the Gulf since the United States decided in May 2018 to withdraw from a landmark accord to limit Iran's nuclear programme and began to reintroduce sanctions.

But even as a series of ships have been seized in the narrow maritime thoroughfare -- vital for the world's supply of crude -- European countries have been reticent about a US plan to send in military escorts.

On Sunday, Australia became the latest ally seeming to give the plan a wide berth.

Australian defence minister Linda Reynolds told the visiting US secretaries of state and defence that their "very serious" and "complex" request would be given "very serious consideration" -- but stopped short of offering a full response.

"We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region. And we strongly condemn the attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman," said Reynolds.

"But we will ultimately, as we always do, decide what is in our own sovereign interests," she told Mike Pompeo and the newly confirmed Pentagon chief Mark Esper who was on his maiden overseas trip.

"And we'll certainly discuss this issue during our ministerial consultations, but again, no decision has yet been made."

Washington floated the idea of a naval coalition in June, after multiple attacks on ships in the Gulf, which the United States had blamed on Iran -- but which Tehran denies.

The plan was to have each country provide a military escort for their ships, with the US military providing a security backstop, monitoring the zone of operations and providing command and control.

Pompeo adamant

Asked by a reporter about the lack of enthusiasm from Australia, Pompeo was characteristically combative and insisted he was "very confident that we will have a global coalition".

"There's lots of conversations taking place, amongst all the countries, as with Australia," he said.

Esper, meanwhile, said the United States had gotten "various degrees of response", adding "I think there'll be some announcements coming out in the coming days".

Referencing the prospect of European-only cooperation, Esper plaid down a bifurcation of effort.

"I think the purpose remains the same whether it's an operation conducted under the United States command and control, or conducted by somebody else, a European partnership.

"I think both fulfil the same purpose, a unity of effort with regard to ensuring freedom of navigation."

Paris, Berlin and London plan to coordinate and share information in the Gulf to reinforce maritime security, but without deploying additional assets, according to French Defence Minister Florence Parly.

"We are trying to organise ourselves as Europeans, but one thing is certain: our actions will have only one objective, to lower current tensions and defend our interests," she said.

Germany has distanced itself from a military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, considering it could hinder European efforts to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran.

German government spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said last week said the focus should be on "diplomacy and de-escalation" amid a spike in tensions between the UK and Iran.

Declaring the German government "reluctant" to get involved in the US plan she said that "participation in a US-led mission could complicate this issue, even as of course we share the goal of freedom of navigation."

Britain has responded to the seizure of a UK tanker in June by announcing it would escort British-flagged ships and send a second warship to the region.

The United States is struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, with allies concerned about being dragged into conflict with Iran.

The United States is struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, with allies concerned about being dragged into conflict with Iran. Tensions have risen in the Gulf since the United States decided in May 2018 to withdraw from a landmark accord to limit Iran's nuclear programme and began to reintroduce sanctions. But even as a series of ships have been seized in the narrow maritime thoroughfare -- vital for the world's supply of crude -- European countries have been reticent about a US plan to send in military escorts. On Sunday, Australia became the latest ally seeming to give the plan a wide berth. Australian defence minister Linda Reynolds told the visiting US secretaries of state and defence that their "very serious" and "complex" request would be given "very serious consideration" -- but stopped short of offering a full response. "We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region. And we strongly condemn the attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman," said Reynolds. "But we will ultimately, as we always do, decide what is in our own sovereign interests," she told Mike Pompeo and the newly confirmed Pentagon chief Mark Esper who was on his maiden overseas trip. "And we'll certainly discuss this issue during our ministerial consultations, but again, no decision has yet been made." Washington floated the idea of a naval coalition in June, after multiple attacks on ships in the Gulf, which the United States had blamed on Iran -- but which Tehran denies. The plan was to have each country provide a military escort for their ships, with the US military providing a security backstop, monitoring the zone of operations and providing command and control. Pompeo adamant Asked by a reporter about the lack of enthusiasm from Australia, Pompeo was characteristically combative and insisted he was "very confident that we will have a global coalition". "There's lots of conversations taking place, amongst all the countries, as with Australia," he said. Esper, meanwhile, said the United States had gotten "various degrees of response", adding "I think there'll be some announcements coming out in the coming days". Referencing the prospect of European-only cooperation, Esper plaid down a bifurcation of effort. "I think the purpose remains the same whether it's an operation conducted under the United States command and control, or conducted by somebody else, a European partnership. "I think both fulfil the same purpose, a unity of effort with regard to ensuring freedom of navigation." Paris, Berlin and London plan to coordinate and share information in the Gulf to reinforce maritime security, but without deploying additional assets, according to French Defence Minister Florence Parly. "We are trying to organise ourselves as Europeans, but one thing is certain: our actions will have only one objective, to lower current tensions and defend our interests," she said. Germany has distanced itself from a military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, considering it could hinder European efforts to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran. German government spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said last week said the focus should be on "diplomacy and de-escalation" amid a spike in tensions between the UK and Iran. Declaring the German government "reluctant" to get involved in the US plan she said that "participation in a US-led mission could complicate this issue, even as of course we share the goal of freedom of navigation." Britain has responded to the seizure of a UK tanker in June by announcing it would escort British-flagged ships and send a second warship to the region.

US struggles to build willing coalition amid Hormuz tensions

South Korea plans to join a US-led maritime force in the Middle East by sending a naval unit, which includes a destroyer, to help guard oil tankers sailing through the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-european-naval-mission-in-gulf-would-be-provocative-238986">Strait of Hormuz</a>, a South Korean newspaper reported on Monday.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have increased since Washington pulled out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-meeting-with-parties-to-nuclear-deal-constructive-239070">Iranian nuclear deal last year </a>and reimposed sanctions on Tehran.

Attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Iran in recent months further soured ties, prompting US officials to call for allies to join a planned maritime security mission.

The Maekyung business newspaper, citing an unidentified senior government official, said South Korea had decided to send the anti-piracy Cheonghae unit operating in waters off Somalia, possibly along with helicopters.

Watch Video:

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Seoul's defence ministry said the government was exploring measures to protect its ships in the area but no decision had been made.

"It is obvious that we have to protect our ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, isn't it? So we're considering various possibilities," deputy ministry spokesman Ro Jae-cheon told a regular news briefing on Monday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last week Washington had asked South Korea, Japan, France, Germany, Australia and others to take part.

US national security adviser John Bolton visited Seoul last week and discussed the issue with senior officials, including the defence minister, but Ro said there was no official request made during that meeting.

The Cheonghae unit has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009, working to tackle piracy in partnership with African countries as well as the United States and the European Union.

The 302-strong unit operates a 4,500-ton destroyer, a Lynx anti-submarine helicopter and three speed boats, according to South Korea's 2018 defence white paper. 
&nbsp;

South Korea plans to join a US-led maritime force in the Middle East by sending a naval unit, which includes a destroyer, to help guard oil tankers sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, a South Korean newspaper reported on Monday.

South Korea plans to join a US-led maritime force in the Middle East by sending a naval unit, which includes a destroyer, to help guard oil tankers sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, a South Korean newspaper reported on Monday. Tensions between Iran and the United States have increased since Washington pulled out of the Iranian nuclear deal last year and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. Attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Iran in recent months further soured ties, prompting US officials to call for allies to join a planned maritime security mission. The Maekyung business newspaper, citing an unidentified senior government official, said South Korea had decided to send the anti-piracy Cheonghae unit operating in waters off Somalia, possibly along with helicopters. Watch Video: Seoul's defence ministry said the government was exploring measures to protect its ships in the area but no decision had been made. "It is obvious that we have to protect our ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, isn't it? So we're considering various possibilities," deputy ministry spokesman Ro Jae-cheon told a regular news briefing on Monday. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last week Washington had asked South Korea, Japan, France, Germany, Australia and others to take part. US national security adviser John Bolton visited Seoul last week and discussed the issue with senior officials, including the defence minister, but Ro said there was no official request made during that meeting. The Cheonghae unit has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009, working to tackle piracy in partnership with African countries as well as the United States and the European Union. The 302-strong unit operates a 4,500-ton destroyer, a Lynx anti-submarine helicopter and three speed boats, according to South Korea's 2018 defence white paper.

South Korea navy may join US-led coalition in Strait of Hormuz: Report

An emergency meeting with parties to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-links-tanker-row-to-ailing-nuclear-deal-239002">Iran's 2015 nuclear deal </a>was constructive but there are unresolved issues and Tehran will continue to reduce its nuclear commitments if Europeans fail to salvage the pact, Iranian official Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday.

"The atmosphere was constructive. Discussions were good. I cannot say that we resolved everything, I can say there are lots of commitments," Araqchi, the senior <a href="Iran invites Mike Pompeo for interview by reporter once detained in US">Iranian nuclear negotiator</a>, told reporters after the meeting in Vienna.

Parties to the agreement - Britain, Germany and France plus Russia and China - met Iranian officials for talks called in response to an escalation in tensions between Iran and the West that included confrontations at sea and Tehran's breaches of the nuclear accord.

"As we have said, we will continue to reduce our commitments to the deal until Europeans secure Iran's interests under the deal," Araqchi said.&nbsp; 
The parties have been trying to salvage the pact since the United States withdrew from it in May 2018 and re-imposed and toughened sanctions on Iran, crippling an already weak economy.

The Europeans say further breaches of the agreement by Iran would escalate confrontation at a time when Tehran and Washington are at risk of a miscalculation that could lead to war.

However, their efforts to protect trade with Iran against the US sanctions have yielded nothing concrete so far. Earlier this month, Tehran followed through on its threat to increase its nuclear activities in breach of the agreement.&nbsp;

Watch: Iranians demonstrate in central London, calling for sanctions against regime

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Iran has said it will withdrew from the pact unless the Europeans find ways to shield its economy from the US sanctions.&nbsp;

"All our steps taken so far are reversible if other parties to the deal fulfil their commitments," an Iranian diplomat told Reuters ahead of the meeting.

In response to the sanctions, Iran said in May it would decrease its commitments under the nuclear pact. Under the deal, most international sanctions against Tehran were lifted in 2016, in exchange for limitations on its nuclear work.&nbsp;

So far, Iran has breached the limit of its enriched uranium stockpile as well as enriching uranium beyond a 3.67 per cent purity limit set by its deal with major powers, defying a warning by Europeans to stick to the deal despite US sanctions.

The UN nuclear watchdog, policing the deal, has confirmed the measures announced by Tehran.

Sanctions&nbsp;

Fu Cong, director-general of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, who lead the Chinese delegation, said: "All sides have expressed their commitment to safeguard the JCPOA (nuclear deal) and to continue to implement the JCPOA in a balanced manner.

"All sides have expressed their strong opposition against the US unilateral imposition of sanctions."

The meeting came after Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards seized a British-flagged oil tanker on July 19, two weeks after British forces captured an Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar which it said was violating sanctions on Syria.

Araqchi said Britain's seizure of the Iranian tanker was a violation of the nuclear pact.

"The countries who are part of (the nuclear deal) shouldn't create obstacles for the export of Iranian oil," Araqchi said.

Britain has called for a European-led naval mission to ensure safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international oil shipping route. An Iranian government spokesman said on Sunday such a mission would send a "hostile message".

Britain said on Sunday Royal Navy destroyer HMS Duncan had arrived in the Gulf to join a British frigate escorting British-flagged ships through the Strait.

The seizure of the British tanker in the world’s most important waterway for the oil trade has deepened a crisis between Iran and the West. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Britain's seizure of the Iranian oil tanker was illegal and would be detrimental for Britain.&nbsp;

After meeting Iranian officials in Tehran, Oman's Foreign Minister Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah said all parties should maintain contact to avoid more incidents in the Strait.&nbsp;

Iran has threatened to disrupt oil shipments through the waterway if the United States tries to strangle its economy with sanctions on its vital oil exports. 
Several oil tankers were attacked in waters near Iran’s southern coast in May and June, for which the United States blamed Iran. Tehran denied any involvement.

Iran in June shot down a U.S. military surveillance drone in the Gulf, which Tehran said had violated its air space. Washington said the drone was in international skies.

An emergency meeting with parties to Iran's 2015 nuclear deal was constructive but there are unresolved issues and Tehran will continue to reduce its nuclear commitments if Europeans fail to salvage the pact, Iranian official Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday.

An emergency meeting with parties to Iran's 2015 nuclear deal was constructive but there are unresolved issues and Tehran will continue to reduce its nuclear commitments if Europeans fail to salvage the pact, Iranian official Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday. "The atmosphere was constructive. Discussions were good. I cannot say that we resolved everything, I can say there are lots of commitments," Araqchi, the senior Iranian nuclear negotiator, told reporters after the meeting in Vienna. Parties to the agreement - Britain, Germany and France plus Russia and China - met Iranian officials for talks called in response to an escalation in tensions between Iran and the West that included confrontations at sea and Tehran's breaches of the nuclear accord. "As we have said, we will continue to reduce our commitments to the deal until Europeans secure Iran's interests under the deal," Araqchi said. The parties have been trying to salvage the pact since the United States withdrew from it in May 2018 and re-imposed and toughened sanctions on Iran, crippling an already weak economy. The Europeans say further breaches of the agreement by Iran would escalate confrontation at a time when Tehran and Washington are at risk of a miscalculation that could lead to war. However, their efforts to protect trade with Iran against the US sanctions have yielded nothing concrete so far. Earlier this month, Tehran followed through on its threat to increase its nuclear activities in breach of the agreement. Watch: Iranians demonstrate in central London, calling for sanctions against regime × Iran has said it will withdrew from the pact unless the Europeans find ways to shield its economy from the US sanctions. "All our steps taken so far are reversible if other parties to the deal fulfil their commitments," an Iranian diplomat told Reuters ahead of the meeting. In response to the sanctions, Iran said in May it would decrease its commitments under the nuclear pact. Under the deal, most international sanctions against Tehran were lifted in 2016, in exchange for limitations on its nuclear work. So far, Iran has breached the limit of its enriched uranium stockpile as well as enriching uranium beyond a 3.67 per cent purity limit set by its deal with major powers, defying a warning by Europeans to stick to the deal despite US sanctions. The UN nuclear watchdog, policing the deal, has confirmed the measures announced by Tehran. Sanctions Fu Cong, director-general of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, who lead the Chinese delegation, said: "All sides have expressed their commitment to safeguard the JCPOA (nuclear deal) and to continue to implement the JCPOA in a balanced manner. "All sides have expressed their strong opposition against the US unilateral imposition of sanctions." The meeting came after Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards seized a British-flagged oil tanker on July 19, two weeks after British forces captured an Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar which it said was violating sanctions on Syria. Araqchi said Britain's seizure of the Iranian tanker was a violation of the nuclear pact. "The countries who are part of (the nuclear deal) shouldn't create obstacles for the export of Iranian oil," Araqchi said. Britain has called for a European-led naval mission to ensure safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international oil shipping route. An Iranian government spokesman said on Sunday such a mission would send a "hostile message". Britain said on Sunday Royal Navy destroyer HMS Duncan had arrived in the Gulf to join a British frigate escorting British-flagged ships through the Strait. The seizure of the British tanker in the world’s most important waterway for the oil trade has deepened a crisis between Iran and the West. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Britain's seizure of the Iranian oil tanker was illegal and would be detrimental for Britain. After meeting Iranian officials in Tehran, Oman's Foreign Minister Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah said all parties should maintain contact to avoid more incidents in the Strait. Iran has threatened to disrupt oil shipments through the waterway if the United States tries to strangle its economy with sanctions on its vital oil exports. Several oil tankers were attacked in waters near Iran’s southern coast in May and June, for which the United States blamed Iran. Tehran denied any involvement. Iran in June shot down a U.S. military surveillance drone in the Gulf, which Tehran said had violated its air space. Washington said the drone was in international skies.

Iran says meeting with parties to nuclear deal 'constructive' despite unresolved issues

Oil prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly increase as geopolitical tensions over Iran remained unresolved, although flagging prospects for global economic growth amid the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-war-like-the-one-going-on-between-us-and-china-foolish-thailand-ambassador-at-wion-world-order-238434&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwij9_GHsNLjAhUbHo8KHfTpAw0QFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3q6V_pmXlrHO0FOtaqNfXk">US-China trade war</a> capped gains.

Brent crude futures were up 23 cents at $63.62 per barrel at 0922 GMT, equivalent to a weekly rise of around 1.8%. They fell 6% last week.

US West Texas Intermediate crude was 25 cents higher at $56.27 a barrel, a weekly gain of 1.1%. It fell to 7.5% last week.

Tensions remained high around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil passageway, as Iran refused to release a British-flagged tanker it seized last week in the Gulf.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington had asked Japan, France, Germany, South Korea, Australia, and other nations to join a maritime security initiative in the Middle East so oil and other products can flow through the strait.

However, oil prices' reaction to the strains in the Gulf has been relatively muted. "It appears that the majority of market participants do not expect a military conflict that would hamper oil shipments," Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said.

Prices also drew support from a crude inventory draw in the United States, but gains were limited as the fall appeared to have been largely anticipated. The US production in the Gulf of Mexico was still feeling the effects of Hurricane Barry.

WATCH:&nbsp;Iran-UK tanker tensions: Iran releases 9 crew members

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"Several indicators pointing to a slowdown of global oil demand growth appear to have taken over market sentiment," Jefferies analyst Jason Gammel said.

Reuters polls taken July 1-24 showed the growth outlook for nearly 90% of the more than 45 economies surveyed was downgraded or left unchanged. That applied not just to this year but also in 2020.

"Growing challenges in the macroeconomic environment have kept bullish bets in check as risk appetites remain soft over potential weakness in global fuel demand," said Benjamin Lu, commodities analyst at Singapore-based Phillip Futures.

The slowdown in global manufacturing and trade, and the associated hit to oil consumption, largely stems from a US-China trade war that has rumbled on over the last year.

Trade talks between the two countries broke down in May after nearing an agreement. Next week, the top US and Chinese negotiators meet for the first time since then. Any positive outcome of the meeting is expected to boost oil prices.

Oil prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly increase as geopolitical tensions over Iran remained unresolved, although flagging prospects for global economic growth amid the US-China trade war capped gains.

Oil prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly increase as geopolitical tensions over Iran remained unresolved, although flagging prospects for global economic growth amid the US-China trade war capped gains. Brent crude futures were up 23 cents at $63.62 per barrel at 0922 GMT, equivalent to a weekly rise of around 1.8%. They fell 6% last week. US West Texas Intermediate crude was 25 cents higher at $56.27 a barrel, a weekly gain of 1.1%. It fell to 7.5% last week. Tensions remained high around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil passageway, as Iran refused to release a British-flagged tanker it seized last week in the Gulf. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington had asked Japan, France, Germany, South Korea, Australia, and other nations to join a maritime security initiative in the Middle East so oil and other products can flow through the strait. However, oil prices' reaction to the strains in the Gulf has been relatively muted. "It appears that the majority of market participants do not expect a military conflict that would hamper oil shipments," Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said. Prices also drew support from a crude inventory draw in the United States, but gains were limited as the fall appeared to have been largely anticipated. The US production in the Gulf of Mexico was still feeling the effects of Hurricane Barry. WATCH: Iran-UK tanker tensions: Iran releases 9 crew members × "Several indicators pointing to a slowdown of global oil demand growth appear to have taken over market sentiment," Jefferies analyst Jason Gammel said. Reuters polls taken July 1-24 showed the growth outlook for nearly 90% of the more than 45 economies surveyed was downgraded or left unchanged. That applied not just to this year but also in 2020. "Growing challenges in the macroeconomic environment have kept bullish bets in check as risk appetites remain soft over potential weakness in global fuel demand," said Benjamin Lu, commodities analyst at Singapore-based Phillip Futures. The slowdown in global manufacturing and trade, and the associated hit to oil consumption, largely stems from a US-China trade war that has rumbled on over the last year. Trade talks between the two countries broke down in May after nearing an agreement. Next week, the top US and Chinese negotiators meet for the first time since then. Any positive outcome of the meeting is expected to boost oil prices.

Oil prices rise as Iran tensions remain unresolved

Iran warned Britain's next prime minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday that it will "protect" waters of the oil-rich Gulf, amid a standoff between the two countries over the seizure of tankers.

In the face of rising hostilities with the United States, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Friday impounded a tanker sailing under the flag of US ally Britain.

The seizure of the Stena Impero has been seen as a tit-for-tat move after British authorities detained an Iranian tanker on July 4 in the Mediterranean on suspicion it was shipping oil to Syria in breach of EU sanctions.

"I congratulate my former counterpart, @BorisJohnson on becoming UK PM," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted after Johnson beat his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, in a vote by party members.

"Iran does not seek confrontation. But we have 1500 miles of Persian Gulf coastline. These are our waters &amp; we will protect them."

Iran has impounded the Stena Impero at its port of Bandar Abbas for allegedly breaking "international maritime rules".

In new footage aired by Iranian state television, the crew of 18 Indians, three Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino are seen sitting around a table and seemingly going about their daily routines.

"Throughout history, Iran has been and will be the main guardian of security and free navigation" in the Gulf, President Hassan Rouhani said late Monday, adding that Tehran was not seeking to stoke tensions.

The head of Iran's navy, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi, said in an interview published Tuesday that his forces use drones to closely observe "all enemy ships" going through the Gulf, "especially America's".

Nuclear meeting&nbsp;

Since the US began reimposing sanctions on Iran, tensions have mounted with drones shot down and tankers mysteriously attacked in sensitive Gulf waters.

At the height of the crisis, US President Donald Trump called off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute in June after the Islamic republic downed a US drone.

Iran also said Monday it had arrested 17 suspects and sentenced some to death after dismantling a CIA spy network -- claims Trump dismissed as "totally false".

Tehran has been at loggerheads with Washington and its allies since May 2018, when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran said it would attend a meeting in Vienna this weekend with countries still party to the troubled accord.

The meeting was requested by the European parties to discuss the "new situation", Iran said, referring to its reduced nuclear commitments under the deal in response to the US withdrawal.

The EU confirmed Iran would meet envoys from the remaining parties -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- on Sunday.

Tehran has already given up on complying with some of the deal's limits on its nuclear programme in retaliation for the US withdrawal and what it sees as the failure of other parties to help it circumvent sanctions.

'De-escalation'&nbsp;

Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to France to deliver a message from Rouhani to his counterpart Emmanuel Macron, his ministry said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed he met the envoy who brought a message from Tehran.

"We are now pushing Iran back into the Vienna agreement," he said, referring to the nuclear deal.&nbsp;

"I met earlier with President Rouhani's special envoy to tell him that," Le Drian added.

The latest efforts come after Macron's top diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne visited Iran and met with senior officials earlier this month to "piece together a de-escalation" strategy.

The 2015 deal curbed Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

But on May 8 -- a year after the US withdrawal -- Iran said it would disregard certain limits on the programme as it was not receiving any benefits.

Iran has threatened further measures if the remaining parties to the deal fail to help it circumvent US sanctions, especially to sell its oil.

It has since exceeded the deal's limits on its enriched uranium and heavy water stockpiles, as well as passing a cap on its uranium enrichment.

The 4.5 per cent enrichment level it reached is well below the more than 90 per cent required for a nuclear warhead.

Iran has yet to specify what other steps it may take and has repeatedly emphasised its actions can be reversed "within hours" if European partners deliver on commitments.

Meanwhile, China described as "illegal" US sanctions imposed on its companies as part of Washington's campaign against Iran.

Iran warned Britain's next prime minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday that it will "protect" waters of the oil-rich Gulf, amid a standoff between the two countries over the seizure of tankers.

Iran warned Britain's next prime minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday that it will "protect" waters of the oil-rich Gulf, amid a standoff between the two countries over the seizure of tankers. In the face of rising hostilities with the United States, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Friday impounded a tanker sailing under the flag of US ally Britain. The seizure of the Stena Impero has been seen as a tit-for-tat move after British authorities detained an Iranian tanker on July 4 in the Mediterranean on suspicion it was shipping oil to Syria in breach of EU sanctions. "I congratulate my former counterpart, @BorisJohnson on becoming UK PM," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted after Johnson beat his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, in a vote by party members. "Iran does not seek confrontation. But we have 1500 miles of Persian Gulf coastline. These are our waters & we will protect them." Iran has impounded the Stena Impero at its port of Bandar Abbas for allegedly breaking "international maritime rules". In new footage aired by Iranian state television, the crew of 18 Indians, three Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino are seen sitting around a table and seemingly going about their daily routines. "Throughout history, Iran has been and will be the main guardian of security and free navigation" in the Gulf, President Hassan Rouhani said late Monday, adding that Tehran was not seeking to stoke tensions. The head of Iran's navy, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi, said in an interview published Tuesday that his forces use drones to closely observe "all enemy ships" going through the Gulf, "especially America's". Nuclear meeting Since the US began reimposing sanctions on Iran, tensions have mounted with drones shot down and tankers mysteriously attacked in sensitive Gulf waters. At the height of the crisis, US President Donald Trump called off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute in June after the Islamic republic downed a US drone. Iran also said Monday it had arrested 17 suspects and sentenced some to death after dismantling a CIA spy network -- claims Trump dismissed as "totally false". Tehran has been at loggerheads with Washington and its allies since May 2018, when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal. Iran said it would attend a meeting in Vienna this weekend with countries still party to the troubled accord. The meeting was requested by the European parties to discuss the "new situation", Iran said, referring to its reduced nuclear commitments under the deal in response to the US withdrawal. The EU confirmed Iran would meet envoys from the remaining parties -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- on Sunday. Tehran has already given up on complying with some of the deal's limits on its nuclear programme in retaliation for the US withdrawal and what it sees as the failure of other parties to help it circumvent sanctions. 'De-escalation' Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to France to deliver a message from Rouhani to his counterpart Emmanuel Macron, his ministry said. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed he met the envoy who brought a message from Tehran. "We are now pushing Iran back into the Vienna agreement," he said, referring to the nuclear deal. "I met earlier with President Rouhani's special envoy to tell him that," Le Drian added. The latest efforts come after Macron's top diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne visited Iran and met with senior officials earlier this month to "piece together a de-escalation" strategy. The 2015 deal curbed Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. But on May 8 -- a year after the US withdrawal -- Iran said it would disregard certain limits on the programme as it was not receiving any benefits. Iran has threatened further measures if the remaining parties to the deal fail to help it circumvent US sanctions, especially to sell its oil. It has since exceeded the deal's limits on its enriched uranium and heavy water stockpiles, as well as passing a cap on its uranium enrichment. The 4.5 per cent enrichment level it reached is well below the more than 90 per cent required for a nuclear warhead. Iran has yet to specify what other steps it may take and has repeatedly emphasised its actions can be reversed "within hours" if European partners deliver on commitments. Meanwhile, China described as "illegal" US sanctions imposed on its companies as part of Washington's campaign against Iran.

Iran warns Britain's new Prime Minister Boris Johnson it will 'protect' Gulf waters

Iran is ready for "just" negotiations but not if they mean surrender, Iran's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-does-not-seek-confrontation-says-foreign-minister-mohammad-javad-zarif-after-tanker-seizure-237827"> President Hassan Rouhani</a> said on Wednesday, without saying what talks he had in mind.

Rouhani seemed to be referring to possible negotiations with the United States. US&nbsp;President Donald Trump withdrew from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-chinese-oil-buyer-over-alleged-iran-violations-237836">landmark 2015 nuclear deal</a> with Iran last year but has said he is willing to hold talks with the Islamic Republic.

"As long as I have the responsibility for the executive duties of the country, we are completely ready for just, legal and honest negotiations to solve the problems," Rouhani said, according to his official website.

"But at the same time we are not ready to sit at the table of surrender under the name of negotiations."

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Meanwhile, the US military said that a Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz after the aircraft threatened the vessel, but Iran said it had no information about losing a drone.

"This was a defensive action by the USS Boxer in response to aggressive interactions by two Iranian UAS platforms in international waters," Lieutenant Colonel Earl Brown, a US Central Command spokesman, said. UAS is an acronym for unmanned aerial system.

Tensions in the Gulf region are high, with fears that the United States and Iran could stumble into war.

The United States has blamed Iran for a series of attacks since mid-May on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil artery. Tehran rejects the allegations.

Iran in June shot down a US military surveillance drone in the Gulf with a surface-to-air missile. Iran says the drone was in its airspace, but Washington says it was in international skies.

President Donald Trump said at the time the United States had come close to launching a military strike on Iran in retaliation for the downing of the US drone.

The increased use of drones by Iran and its allies for surveillance and attacks across the Middle East is raising alarms in Washington. 
&nbsp;

Iran is ready for "just" negotiations but not if they mean surrender, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, without saying what talks he had in mind.

Iran is ready for "just" negotiations but not if they mean surrender, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, without saying what talks he had in mind. Rouhani seemed to be referring to possible negotiations with the United States. US President Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year but has said he is willing to hold talks with the Islamic Republic. "As long as I have the responsibility for the executive duties of the country, we are completely ready for just, legal and honest negotiations to solve the problems," Rouhani said, according to his official website. "But at the same time we are not ready to sit at the table of surrender under the name of negotiations." Meanwhile, the US military said that a Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz after the aircraft threatened the vessel, but Iran said it had no information about losing a drone. "This was a defensive action by the USS Boxer in response to aggressive interactions by two Iranian UAS platforms in international waters," Lieutenant Colonel Earl Brown, a US Central Command spokesman, said. UAS is an acronym for unmanned aerial system. Tensions in the Gulf region are high, with fears that the United States and Iran could stumble into war. The United States has blamed Iran for a series of attacks since mid-May on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil artery. Tehran rejects the allegations. Iran in June shot down a US military surveillance drone in the Gulf with a surface-to-air missile. Iran says the drone was in its airspace, but Washington says it was in international skies. President Donald Trump said at the time the United States had come close to launching a military strike on Iran in retaliation for the downing of the US drone. The increased use of drones by Iran and its allies for surveillance and attacks across the Middle East is raising alarms in Washington.

Ready for negotiations but will not surrender: Rouhani on standoff with US

Britain on Monday said it was planning a European-led protection force for shipping in the Gulf after Iranian authorities seized a British-flagged tanker in a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt condemned Iran's actions as "state piracy" while at the same time emphasising that Britain did not want confrontation.

"We will seek to establish this mission as quickly as possible," Hunt said, adding that a second warship that Britain has sent to the region would arrive by July 29.

In a ramping up of tensions, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the Stena Impero on Friday in the Gulf's strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The move came two weeks after British authorities seized an Iranian tanker off its overseas territory of Gibraltar on suspicion of breaching EU sanctions against Syria against a backdrop of brinkmanship between Washington and Tehran.

On Monday, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said his country is not seeking confrontation with Britain in a message directed at its likely incoming leader Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

"It is very important for Boris Johnson as he enters 10 Downing Street to understand that Iran does not seek confrontation, that Iran wants normal relations based on mutual respect," Zarif told reporters during a visit to Nicaragua.

He also accused Britain "of doing the bidding for the Trump administration".

Hunt told Parliament that the protection force "will not be part of the US maximum pressure policy on Iran because we remain committed to preserving the Iran nuclear agreement".

The United States pulled out of the nuclear deal last year.

Iran impounded the tanker after claiming it failed to respond to distress calls and turned off its transponder after hitting a fishing boat.

However, Britain has said there was no evidence of a collision and said the vessel was in Omani waters, with its transponder switched on.

The EU has already expressed its "deep concern" at the move and on Monday German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said: "We don't want any further escalation."

There have been a number of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz since May when the United States boosted its military presence in response to what it called indications of a "credible threat" from Iran.

The British government had warned its ships to avoid the shipping channel, a chokepoint for about a third of the world's sea-borne oil.

Hunt said the volume of shipping made it impossible to protect every vessel individually.

Questions are being asked in London about why the government was not more proactive in protecting ships after the Gibraltar incident, which provoked fury and a threat of retaliation in Tehran.

The stand-off comes at a sensitive time for Britain, with Prime Minister Theresa May stepping down on Wednesday over her failure to deliver Brexit.

Former foreign minister Johnson is the overwhelming favourite to replace her and there have been calls for stronger action against Iran, such as financial sanctions.

Oil prices jumped Monday on fresh concerns about supplies and possible conflict in the crude-rich Middle East.

ran impounded the tanker after claiming it failed to respond to distress calls and turned off its transponder after hitting a fishing boat.

However, Britain has said there was no evidence of a collision and said the vessel was in Omani waters, with its transponder switched on.

The EU has already expressed its "deep concern" at the move and on Monday German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said: "We don't want any further escalation."

There have been a number of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz since May when the United States boosted its military presence in response to what it called indications of a "credible threat" from Iran.

The British government had warned its ships to avoid the shipping channel, a chokepoint for about a third of the world's sea-borne oil.

Hunt said the volume of shipping made it impossible to protect every vessel individually.

Questions are being asked in London about why the government was not more proactive in protecting ships after the Gibraltar incident, which provoked fury and a threat of retaliation in Tehran.

The stand-off comes at a sensitive time for Britain, with Prime Minister Theresa May stepping down on Wednesday over her failure to deliver Brexit.

Iranian authorities have said the crew of the British-flagged tanker -- 18 Indians, including the captain, three Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino -- are all in good health.

The fate of the Stena Impero depends on an investigation into its alleged breach of international maritime rules, they added.

The incident on Friday began hours after a court in the tiny British territory of Gibraltar extended by 30 days the detention of the Iranian-chartered tanker, Grace 1, which was seized on July 4.

"To all the countries that are calling on Iran to release the tanker, we ask them to tell Britain the same thing," the Iranian spokesman said on Monday.

Hunt has said Britain wants sufficient guarantees that the oil was not bound for Syria.

The incidents come amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, which have left European nations caught in the middle.

In May 2018, President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the landmark 2015 deal that put curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

Britain, France and Germany were also signatories and have been trying to keep the deal alive.

The US administration reimposed tough sanctions on Iran, which has retaliated by increasing its enrichment of uranium beyond limits set in the nuclear accord.

Last month, Trump called off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute after Tehran downed a US drone.

Britain on Monday said it was planning a European-led protection force for shipping in the Gulf after Iranian authorities seized a British-flagged tanker in a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region.

Britain on Monday said it was planning a European-led protection force for shipping in the Gulf after Iranian authorities seized a British-flagged tanker in a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt condemned Iran's actions as "state piracy" while at the same time emphasising that Britain did not want confrontation. "We will seek to establish this mission as quickly as possible," Hunt said, adding that a second warship that Britain has sent to the region would arrive by July 29. In a ramping up of tensions, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the Stena Impero on Friday in the Gulf's strategic Strait of Hormuz. The move came two weeks after British authorities seized an Iranian tanker off its overseas territory of Gibraltar on suspicion of breaching EU sanctions against Syria against a backdrop of brinkmanship between Washington and Tehran. On Monday, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said his country is not seeking confrontation with Britain in a message directed at its likely incoming leader Boris Johnson. "It is very important for Boris Johnson as he enters 10 Downing Street to understand that Iran does not seek confrontation, that Iran wants normal relations based on mutual respect," Zarif told reporters during a visit to Nicaragua. He also accused Britain "of doing the bidding for the Trump administration". Hunt told Parliament that the protection force "will not be part of the US maximum pressure policy on Iran because we remain committed to preserving the Iran nuclear agreement". The United States pulled out of the nuclear deal last year. Iran impounded the tanker after claiming it failed to respond to distress calls and turned off its transponder after hitting a fishing boat. However, Britain has said there was no evidence of a collision and said the vessel was in Omani waters, with its transponder switched on. The EU has already expressed its "deep concern" at the move and on Monday German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said: "We don't want any further escalation." There have been a number of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz since May when the United States boosted its military presence in response to what it called indications of a "credible threat" from Iran. The British government had warned its ships to avoid the shipping channel, a chokepoint for about a third of the world's sea-borne oil. Hunt said the volume of shipping made it impossible to protect every vessel individually. Questions are being asked in London about why the government was not more proactive in protecting ships after the Gibraltar incident, which provoked fury and a threat of retaliation in Tehran. The stand-off comes at a sensitive time for Britain, with Prime Minister Theresa May stepping down on Wednesday over her failure to deliver Brexit. Former foreign minister Johnson is the overwhelming favourite to replace her and there have been calls for stronger action against Iran, such as financial sanctions. Oil prices jumped Monday on fresh concerns about supplies and possible conflict in the crude-rich Middle East. ran impounded the tanker after claiming it failed to respond to distress calls and turned off its transponder after hitting a fishing boat. However, Britain has said there was no evidence of a collision and said the vessel was in Omani waters, with its transponder switched on. The EU has already expressed its "deep concern" at the move and on Monday German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said: "We don't want any further escalation." There have been a number of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz since May when the United States boosted its military presence in response to what it called indications of a "credible threat" from Iran. The British government had warned its ships to avoid the shipping channel, a chokepoint for about a third of the world's sea-borne oil. Hunt said the volume of shipping made it impossible to protect every vessel individually. Questions are being asked in London about why the government was not more proactive in protecting ships after the Gibraltar incident, which provoked fury and a threat of retaliation in Tehran. The stand-off comes at a sensitive time for Britain, with Prime Minister Theresa May stepping down on Wednesday over her failure to deliver Brexit. Iranian authorities have said the crew of the British-flagged tanker -- 18 Indians, including the captain, three Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino -- are all in good health. The fate of the Stena Impero depends on an investigation into its alleged breach of international maritime rules, they added. The incident on Friday began hours after a court in the tiny British territory of Gibraltar extended by 30 days the detention of the Iranian-chartered tanker, Grace 1, which was seized on July 4. "To all the countries that are calling on Iran to release the tanker, we ask them to tell Britain the same thing," the Iranian spokesman said on Monday. Hunt has said Britain wants sufficient guarantees that the oil was not bound for Syria. The incidents come amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, which have left European nations caught in the middle. In May 2018, President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the landmark 2015 deal that put curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Britain, France and Germany were also signatories and have been trying to keep the deal alive. The US administration reimposed tough sanctions on Iran, which has retaliated by increasing its enrichment of uranium beyond limits set in the nuclear accord. Last month, Trump called off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute after Tehran downed a US drone.

Britain plans European-led Gulf force after tanker seizure

Iran on Monday (July 22) released for the first time footage showing the crew members of a seized British-flagged tanker aboard their ship in Bandar Abbas. Iran has repeatedly said the crew of the Stena Impero are safe and still on the vessel, since its seizure on Friday (July 19) in the Strait of Hormuz. The video showed the tanker's crew sitting around a table in the discussion, monitoring equipment on the vessel and chefs preparing food in the kitchen. The seizure of the Stena Impero on the world's most important waterway for oil trade has deepened a crisis between Tehran and the West that was triggered in May when Washington tightened sanctions, effectively barring all countries from buying Iranian oil. Britain called on Iran on Monday to release the tanker and its crew immediately, describing the seizure as illegal. Britain on July 4 seized an Iranian tanker, the Grace 1, off the coast of Gibraltar. Britain accused it of violating sanctions against Syria, prompting repeated Iranian threats of retaliation.

Iran releases footage of crew onboard seized British tanker, Indians are safe

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Monday said the UK wanted to establish a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-crew-members-including-indian-nationals-on-seized-british-flagged-tanker-in-good-health-iran-embassy-237752">European-led maritime protection</a> force for the Gulf but emphasised that London was not seeking a confrontation with Iran.

"We will now seek to put together a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-warship-warned-iranian-forces-against-seizing-tanker-237484">European-led maritime protection</a> mission to support the safe passage of both crew and cargo in this vital region," Hunt told parliament after Iranian authorities seized a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf on&nbsp;

On July 5, Iran had demanded that Britain immediately release the tanker, accusing it of doing the bidding of the US in what is "tantamount to maritime banditry".

Watch Video:

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On July 10, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had warned&nbsp;Britain of "consequences", in comments broadcast by state television.

The same day, according to the British defence ministry, Iranian military vessels tried to "impede the passage" of a UK oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz off Iran.&nbsp;

Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied any confrontation with foreign vessels in the area as tensions escalated between UK and Iran.

Just hours after Iran's Revolutionary Guards had announced they had impounded a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules", the Stena Impero did not respond to distress calls after colliding with a fishing vessel, Iranian authorities alleged.

Hunt warned of "serious consequences", while Washington slammed it as "escalatory violence". Hunt said that while the Grace 1 had been detained legally, "the Stena Impero was seized in Omani waters in clear contravention of international law. It was then forced to sail into Iran. This is totally and utterly unacceptable."

Germany and France urged Iran to release the tanker, whose seizure Berlin called a "dangerous further aggravation of an already tense situation".

Britain on Saturday urged Iran to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf by releasing a UK-flagged ship it said had been illegally seized in Omani waters in an "utterly unacceptable" gambit.

On Monday, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei told journalists the detention of the British tanker was a "legal measure" necessary to ensure the region's security.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Monday said the UK wanted to establish a European-led maritime protection force for the Gulf but emphasised that London was not seeking a confrontation with Iran.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Monday said the UK wanted to establish a European-led maritime protection force for the Gulf but emphasised that London was not seeking a confrontation with Iran. "We will now seek to put together a European-led maritime protection mission to support the safe passage of both crew and cargo in this vital region," Hunt told parliament after Iranian authorities seized a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf on On July 5, Iran had demanded that Britain immediately release the tanker, accusing it of doing the bidding of the US in what is "tantamount to maritime banditry". Watch Video: On July 10, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had warned Britain of "consequences", in comments broadcast by state television. The same day, according to the British defence ministry, Iranian military vessels tried to "impede the passage" of a UK oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz off Iran. Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied any confrontation with foreign vessels in the area as tensions escalated between UK and Iran. Just hours after Iran's Revolutionary Guards had announced they had impounded a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules", the Stena Impero did not respond to distress calls after colliding with a fishing vessel, Iranian authorities alleged. Hunt warned of "serious consequences", while Washington slammed it as "escalatory violence". Hunt said that while the Grace 1 had been detained legally, "the Stena Impero was seized in Omani waters in clear contravention of international law. It was then forced to sail into Iran. This is totally and utterly unacceptable." Germany and France urged Iran to release the tanker, whose seizure Berlin called a "dangerous further aggravation of an already tense situation". Britain on Saturday urged Iran to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf by releasing a UK-flagged ship it said had been illegally seized in Omani waters in an "utterly unacceptable" gambit. On Monday, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei told journalists the detention of the British tanker was a "legal measure" necessary to ensure the region's security.

Seeking to put together European-led maritime protection mission in Gulf: UK

After US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-regime-has-a-long-history-of-lying-pompeo-on-iran-capturing-cia-spies-237725"> Iran’s announcement it had captured</a> 17 spies, US President Trump said Iran's report is "totally false".

"Just more lies and propaganda (like their shot down drone) put out by a religious regime that is badly failing and has no idea what to do," President Trump said in a tweet.

"Their economy is dead, and will get much worse. Iran is a total mess!"

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The Report of Iran capturing CIA spies is totally false. Zero truth. Just more lies and propaganda (like their shot down drone) put out by a Religious Regime that is Badly Failing and has no idea what to do. Their Economy is dead, and will get much worse. Iran is a total mess!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1153290669424807936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Iran's state televison quoting its defence ministry had said that the country had captured <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-sentences-us-spies-to-death-after-claiming-to-have-broken-cias-intelligence-ring-237639">17 spies working</a> for the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and some have been sentenced to death.

"The identified spies were employed insensitive and vital private sector centres in the economic, nuclear, infrastructural, military and cyber areas... where they collected classified information," said a ministry statement read on state television.

However, US secretary of state Pompeo told a US television channel that the "Iranian regime has a long history of lying" while adding that the US was trying to get a long list of Americans from Iran.

"I would take with a significant grain of salt any Iranian assertion about actions that they’ve taken," he said.

US and Iran relations hit a new low after Iran's Revolutinary Guard shot down a US survellence drone last month. President Trump later threatened to carry out air strikes against Iranian targets which he later called off as tensions escalated in West Asia.

The US also blamed attack on oil tankers on Iran's Revolutinary Guard, a charge denied by the Rouhani regime as relations between the two countries continued to slide.

After US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had captured 17 spies, US President Trump said Iran's report is "totally false". "Just more lies and propaganda (like their shot down drone) put out by a religious regime that is badly failing and has no idea what to do," President Trump said in a tweet.

After US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had captured 17 spies, US President Trump said Iran's report is "totally false". "Just more lies and propaganda (like their shot down drone) put out by a religious regime that is badly failing and has no idea what to do," President Trump said in a tweet. "Their economy is dead, and will get much worse. Iran is a total mess!" The Report of Iran capturing CIA spies is totally false. Zero truth. Just more lies and propaganda (like their shot down drone) put out by a Religious Regime that is Badly Failing and has no idea what to do. Their Economy is dead, and will get much worse. Iran is a total mess! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 22, 2019 × Iran's state televison quoting its defence ministry had said that the country had captured 17 spies working for the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and some have been sentenced to death. "The identified spies were employed insensitive and vital private sector centres in the economic, nuclear, infrastructural, military and cyber areas... where they collected classified information," said a ministry statement read on state television. However, US secretary of state Pompeo told a US television channel that the "Iranian regime has a long history of lying" while adding that the US was trying to get a long list of Americans from Iran. "I would take with a significant grain of salt any Iranian assertion about actions that they’ve taken," he said. US and Iran relations hit a new low after Iran's Revolutinary Guard shot down a US survellence drone last month. President Trump later threatened to carry out air strikes against Iranian targets which he later called off as tensions escalated in West Asia. The US also blamed attack on oil tankers on Iran's Revolutinary Guard, a charge denied by the Rouhani regime as relations between the two countries continued to slide.

Report of Iran capturing CIA spies totally false: Trump

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-sentences-us-spies-to-death-after-claiming-to-have-broken-cias-intelligence-ring-237639"> captured 17 spies</a> working for the US Central Intelligence Agency(CIA)&nbsp;and sentenced some to death.

Iran made the announcement in state media, saying the alleged spies had been arrested in the 12 months to March 2019. Such announcements are not unusual in Iran, but the timing has raised concerns that Tehran is hardening its position in its standoff with Western powers.

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The Report of Iran capturing CIA spies is totally false. Zero truth. Just more lies and propaganda (like their shot down drone) put out by a Religious Regime that is Badly Failing and has no idea what to do. Their Economy is dead, and will get much worse. Iran is a total mess!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1153290669424807936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“The Iranian regime has a long history of lying ... I would take with a significant grain of salt any Iranian assertion about actions that they’ve taken,” Pompeo said in an interview with Fox News Channel.

Pompeo declined to comment about any specific cases, but added: “There’s a long list of Americans that we are working to get home from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

In recent weeks, the United States has blamed Iran for a string of incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping alley in the oil trade bordering one coast of Iran. Iran has denied the accusations.

On Friday, Iran seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the strait. Tehran had previously warned it would retaliate after Britain captured an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar.

Asked about any possible US role in the tensions, Pompeo said, “The responsibility ... falls to the United Kingdom to take care of their ships.”

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had captured 17 spies working for the US Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) and sentenced some to death.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had captured 17 spies working for the US Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) and sentenced some to death. Iran made the announcement in state media, saying the alleged spies had been arrested in the 12 months to March 2019. Such announcements are not unusual in Iran, but the timing has raised concerns that Tehran is hardening its position in its standoff with Western powers. The Report of Iran capturing CIA spies is totally false. Zero truth. Just more lies and propaganda (like their shot down drone) put out by a Religious Regime that is Badly Failing and has no idea what to do. Their Economy is dead, and will get much worse. Iran is a total mess! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 22, 2019 × “The Iranian regime has a long history of lying ... I would take with a significant grain of salt any Iranian assertion about actions that they’ve taken,” Pompeo said in an interview with Fox News Channel. Pompeo declined to comment about any specific cases, but added: “There’s a long list of Americans that we are working to get home from the Islamic Republic of Iran.” In recent weeks, the United States has blamed Iran for a string of incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping alley in the oil trade bordering one coast of Iran. Iran has denied the accusations. On Friday, Iran seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the strait. Tehran had previously warned it would retaliate after Britain captured an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar. Asked about any possible US role in the tensions, Pompeo said, “The responsibility ... falls to the United Kingdom to take care of their ships.”

The regime has a long history of lying: Pompeo on Iran capturing CIA spies

Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a meeting of Britain's emergencies committee on Monday to discuss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seizure-of-british-flagged-tanker-clear-violation-of-international-law-uk-chamber-of-shipping-237519">Iran's seizure of a UK-flagged oil tanker</a> in the Gulf.

In one of her final important acts as prime minister before resigning on Wednesday, May will chair a meeting of Britain's COBR emergencies committee at around 10:30 am (0930 GMT), her Downing Street office said.

"As well as receiving the latest updates from ministers and officials, the COBR meeting will discuss the maintenance of the security of shipping in the Persian Gulf," a spokeswoman said in a brief statement.

It will be Britain's third emergency committee meeting since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-is-ready-for-any-scenario-warns-of-escalating-uk-tension-237432">Iran seized the Stena Impero tanker </a>on Friday, in what London has told the UN Security Council was an illegal move conducted in Omani waters.

The meeting will be the first May has chaired on the seizure.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/timeline-irans-recent-clashes-with-the-west-over-gulf-shipping-nuclear-plans-237479">Timeline of Iran's recent clashes with the West over Gulf shipping, nuclear plans</a>

Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) meetings typically bring together ministers, security, intelligence and military chiefs in a secure facility in central London.

Britain has a frigate, the HMS Montrose, in the Gulf, and has requested all British-flagged ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint until further notice.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt spoke to his French and German counterparts over the issue, his office said.

"Both ministers agreed with the foreign secretary that safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is a top priority for European nations, while avoiding any possible escalation," it said in a statement.

"They agreed to keep in close contact and to work together to achieve this," the statement said.

Letter to UNSC

In its letter to the UN Security Council, Britain said that Iran had claimed that the Swedish-owned Stena Impero had tried to enter the strait through the exit route, while not responding to messages or warnings and with its transponder switched off.

"This is not the case," the letter said.

Iranian officials have also claimed that the tanker was detained due to a collision with an Iranian fishing boat, the letter said, adding: "There is no evidence of this.

"Even if it had occurred, the ship's location within Omani territorial waters means that Iran would not have been permitted to intercept the Stena Impero."

Junior defence minister Tobias Ellwood said Sunday that Britain was considering several options.

Asked if Britain could introduce new sanctions or freeze Iranian assets, finance minister Philip Hammond told BBC television: "We've already got a wide raft of sanctions against Iran, particularly financial sanctions, so it's not clear that there are immediate things we can do but we are of course looking at all the options."

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said parliament will be updated on the situation on Monday.

Either Hunt or former London mayor Boris Johnson will be confirmed as the new leader of the governing Conservative Party on Tuesday and take over from May as prime minister on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a meeting of Britain's emergencies committee on Monday to discuss Iran's seizure of a UK-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf. In one of her final important acts as prime minister before resigning on Wednesday, May will chair a meeting of Britain's COBR emergencies committee at around 10:30 am (0930 GMT), her Downing Street office said.

Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a meeting of Britain's emergencies committee on Monday to discuss Iran's seizure of a UK-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf. In one of her final important acts as prime minister before resigning on Wednesday, May will chair a meeting of Britain's COBR emergencies committee at around 10:30 am (0930 GMT), her Downing Street office said. "As well as receiving the latest updates from ministers and officials, the COBR meeting will discuss the maintenance of the security of shipping in the Persian Gulf," a spokeswoman said in a brief statement. It will be Britain's third emergency committee meeting since Iran seized the Stena Impero tanker on Friday, in what London has told the UN Security Council was an illegal move conducted in Omani waters. The meeting will be the first May has chaired on the seizure. Also read: Timeline of Iran's recent clashes with the West over Gulf shipping, nuclear plans Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) meetings typically bring together ministers, security, intelligence and military chiefs in a secure facility in central London. Britain has a frigate, the HMS Montrose, in the Gulf, and has requested all British-flagged ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint until further notice. Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt spoke to his French and German counterparts over the issue, his office said. "Both ministers agreed with the foreign secretary that safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is a top priority for European nations, while avoiding any possible escalation," it said in a statement. "They agreed to keep in close contact and to work together to achieve this," the statement said. Letter to UNSC In its letter to the UN Security Council, Britain said that Iran had claimed that the Swedish-owned Stena Impero had tried to enter the strait through the exit route, while not responding to messages or warnings and with its transponder switched off. "This is not the case," the letter said. Iranian officials have also claimed that the tanker was detained due to a collision with an Iranian fishing boat, the letter said, adding: "There is no evidence of this. "Even if it had occurred, the ship's location within Omani territorial waters means that Iran would not have been permitted to intercept the Stena Impero." Junior defence minister Tobias Ellwood said Sunday that Britain was considering several options. Asked if Britain could introduce new sanctions or freeze Iranian assets, finance minister Philip Hammond told BBC television: "We've already got a wide raft of sanctions against Iran, particularly financial sanctions, so it's not clear that there are immediate things we can do but we are of course looking at all the options." Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said parliament will be updated on the situation on Monday. Either Hunt or former London mayor Boris Johnson will be confirmed as the new leader of the governing Conservative Party on Tuesday and take over from May as prime minister on Wednesday.

British PM Theresa May to hold emergency meeting on seized tanker

Iran seizes British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. 18 Indian sailors were aboard the vessel. India said captured sailors were given consular access. We are in touch with Iran to secure an early release. Watch this video to know more.

India asks Iran to release its sailors

The row between Iran and Britain escalated on Sunday after the two countries accused each other of increasing tensions following Iran's seizure of a British-flagged oil tanker and the detention of Iran's Grace 1 oil tanker in Gibraltar on July 4. Watch this video to know more.

Radio talk between Iran and UK Navies

Iran seized British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz in which 18 Indian sailors were aboard the vessel. Captured Indian sailors are given consular access, India has also asked Iran to release its sailors. Watch this video to know more.

Iran Embassy: Indian Crew Members Will Remain Safe After seizure of British Oil Tanker

18 Indians aboard tanker seized by Iran

In an exclusive conversation with WION, the British High Commission to India has said that UK has been deeply concerned over Iran's action in the Persian Gulf. The High Commission said that UK ships have been advised to stay out of the Strait of Hormuz for an interim period. This is after Iran seized British oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Watch this video to know more.

WION Exclusive: UK ships advised to avoid Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Friday they had confiscated a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules" as tensions mount in the highly sensitive waterway.

Britain, however, said Iran had seized two ships in the Gulf, incidents Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt condemned as "unacceptable".

The British owner of one of the tankers, the Liberian-flagged Mesdar, said the ship had been temporarily boarded by armed personnel but was now free to leave.

The latest incident came as US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-doubt-about-it-we-shot-it-down-says-trump-on-iranian-drone-237194">President Donald Trump</a> insisted on Friday that the military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a US naval vessel in the &nbsp;Strait of Hormuz, despite denials from Tehran.

The Stena Impero tanker "was confiscated by the Revolutionary Guards at the request of Hormozgan Ports and Maritime Organisation when passing through the Strait of Hormuz, for failing to respect international maritime rules," the Guards' official website Sepahnews said.

The UK-flagged tanker "was led to the shore and handed over to the organisation to go through the legal procedure and required investigations," it said.

Tanker tracking service Marine Traffic showed that the Swedish-owned Stena Impero last signalled its location near the Island of Larak in the highly sensitive waterway at 9:00 PM local time (1630 GMT).

The Stena Impero's Swedish owner said the ship was transiting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seized-foreign-tanker-in-strait-of-hormuz-iran-236898">Strait of Hormuz</a> and in "international waters" when it was "attacked by unidentified small crafts and a helicopter".

"We are presently unable to contact the vessel which is now tracking as heading north towards Iran," a statement said.

Hunt said he was "extremely concerned by the seizure of two naval vessels by Iranian authorities in the Strait of Hormuz" -- through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported.

"These seizures are unacceptable," said Hunt.

Britain confirmed that one of the boats seized was British-registered.&nbsp;

Watch: Iran releases footage as 'proof' disproving the US downed drone claim

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The other was the Liberian-flagged Mesdar, but its owner, British company Norbulk Shipping, said that communication had been re-established and it was now free to continue its voyage.&nbsp;

"All crew are safe and well," it said &nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;

The company said the Mesdar was boarded by armed personnel at around 1630 GMT, but the armed personnel had left by 2000 GMT.&nbsp;

Iran's Fars News Agency reported that senior military officials rejected the reports that the Liberian-flagged tanker has been seized, stressing that the Stena Impero was the only foreign ship under Iranian custody.&nbsp;

The incident came hours after Gibraltar's Supreme Court said it would extend by 30 days the detention of an Iranian tanker seized two weeks ago on allegations that it was heading to Syria in violation of sanctions.

British authorities' detention of the Grace 1 supertanker sparked outrage in Tehran, with the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused London of "piracy" and vowing retaliation.

US says downed drone

Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with Trump calling off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute in June, after Tehran downed an American drone, and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks -- charges the Islamic Republic denies.

Hours before the latest tanker incident, Iran and the US were caught in a new war of words.

Trump said on Thursday that Washington brought down an Iranian drone that was threatening the American vessel, the USS Boxer in the Strait of Hormuz. On Friday he reiterated his claim.

Iran categorically denied the allegation and deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi tweeted that American forces may have shot down a US drone by mistake.

"No doubt about it, no -- we shot it down," Trump said on Friday, and he warned Iran against doing anything "foolish," saying it would pay a heavy price if it did so.

Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton said there was "no question that this was an Iranian drone".

The Revolutionary Guards released a video on Friday which they said belies the US claims.

The seven-minute-long footage, apparently shot from high altitude, shows a convoy of ships which the Guards said they were tracking as they passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessels in the footage could not be immediately identified, although one looks similar to the USS Boxer.&nbsp;

Earlier a US official said Washington has "very clear evidence" that it downed the drone but gave no further details.

"If you fly too close to our ships, you're going to get shot down," the official said.

Nuclear standoff

"The US will continue to work with our allies and partners to defend our security and interests against Iran's malign behaviour," National Security Council spokesman Garrett Marquis said in a statement, denouncing "escalatory violence by the Iranian regime."

The latest escalation comes more than a year after Washington unliterally withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and began ratcheting up sanctions against Tehran.

Trump spoke Friday with French leader Emmanuel Macron on the ongoing situation surrounding Iran, the White House said.

The two leaders "discussed ongoing efforts to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon," the White House said in a brief readout of the call.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Iran purposely overshot the deal's caps on uranium enrichment, aiming to pressure the remaining parties to make good on their promises to help prop up its economy.

Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if it is attacked.&nbsp;

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Friday they had confiscated a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules" as tensions mount in the highly sensitive waterway.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Friday they had confiscated a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules" as tensions mount in the highly sensitive waterway. Britain, however, said Iran had seized two ships in the Gulf, incidents Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt condemned as "unacceptable". The British owner of one of the tankers, the Liberian-flagged Mesdar, said the ship had been temporarily boarded by armed personnel but was now free to leave. The latest incident came as US President Donald Trump insisted on Friday that the military had downed an Iranian drone that was threatening a US naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, despite denials from Tehran. The Stena Impero tanker "was confiscated by the Revolutionary Guards at the request of Hormozgan Ports and Maritime Organisation when passing through the Strait of Hormuz, for failing to respect international maritime rules," the Guards' official website Sepahnews said. The UK-flagged tanker "was led to the shore and handed over to the organisation to go through the legal procedure and required investigations," it said. Tanker tracking service Marine Traffic showed that the Swedish-owned Stena Impero last signalled its location near the Island of Larak in the highly sensitive waterway at 9:00 PM local time (1630 GMT). The Stena Impero's Swedish owner said the ship was transiting the Strait of Hormuz and in "international waters" when it was "attacked by unidentified small crafts and a helicopter". "We are presently unable to contact the vessel which is now tracking as heading north towards Iran," a statement said. Hunt said he was "extremely concerned by the seizure of two naval vessels by Iranian authorities in the Strait of Hormuz" -- through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported. "These seizures are unacceptable," said Hunt. Britain confirmed that one of the boats seized was British-registered. Watch: Iran releases footage as 'proof' disproving the US downed drone claim × The other was the Liberian-flagged Mesdar, but its owner, British company Norbulk Shipping, said that communication had been re-established and it was now free to continue its voyage. "All crew are safe and well," it said in a statement. The company said the Mesdar was boarded by armed personnel at around 1630 GMT, but the armed personnel had left by 2000 GMT. Iran's Fars News Agency reported that senior military officials rejected the reports that the Liberian-flagged tanker has been seized, stressing that the Stena Impero was the only foreign ship under Iranian custody. The incident came hours after Gibraltar's Supreme Court said it would extend by 30 days the detention of an Iranian tanker seized two weeks ago on allegations that it was heading to Syria in violation of sanctions. British authorities' detention of the Grace 1 supertanker sparked outrage in Tehran, with the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused London of "piracy" and vowing retaliation. US says downed drone Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with Trump calling off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute in June, after Tehran downed an American drone, and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks -- charges the Islamic Republic denies. Hours before the latest tanker incident, Iran and the US were caught in a new war of words. Trump said on Thursday that Washington brought down an Iranian drone that was threatening the American vessel, the USS Boxer in the Strait of Hormuz. On Friday he reiterated his claim. Iran categorically denied the allegation and deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi tweeted that American forces may have shot down a US drone by mistake. "No doubt about it, no -- we shot it down," Trump said on Friday, and he warned Iran against doing anything "foolish," saying it would pay a heavy price if it did so. Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton said there was "no question that this was an Iranian drone". The Revolutionary Guards released a video on Friday which they said belies the US claims. The seven-minute-long footage, apparently shot from high altitude, shows a convoy of ships which the Guards said they were tracking as they passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels in the footage could not be immediately identified, although one looks similar to the USS Boxer. Earlier a US official said Washington has "very clear evidence" that it downed the drone but gave no further details. "If you fly too close to our ships, you're going to get shot down," the official said. Nuclear standoff "The US will continue to work with our allies and partners to defend our security and interests against Iran's malign behaviour," National Security Council spokesman Garrett Marquis said in a statement, denouncing "escalatory violence by the Iranian regime." The latest escalation comes more than a year after Washington unliterally withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and began ratcheting up sanctions against Tehran. Trump spoke Friday with French leader Emmanuel Macron on the ongoing situation surrounding Iran, the White House said. The two leaders "discussed ongoing efforts to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon," the White House said in a brief readout of the call. Earlier this month, Iran purposely overshot the deal's caps on uranium enrichment, aiming to pressure the remaining parties to make good on their promises to help prop up its economy. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if it is attacked.

Britain says Iran seized two oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz, Iran says captured one

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denied on Friday that Iran had lost a drone in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-destroyed-iranian-drone-in-strait-of-hormuz-says-donald-trump-236999">Strait of Hormuz</a> after US President Donald Trump said that a US Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone, reported news agency Reuters.

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We have not lost any drone in the Strait of Hormuz nor anywhere else. I am worried that USS Boxer has shot down their own UAS by mistake!
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/1152081448704196611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We have not lost any drone in the Strait of Hormuz nor anywhere else. I am worried that USS Boxer has shot down their own UAS [Unmanned Aerial System] by mistake!," Araqchi said on Twitter, referring to a US warship in the strategic waterway.

Tensions in the Gulf region mounted Thursday after Trump announced that the USS Boxer, an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firing-one-bullet-towards-iran-will-set-fire-to-americas-interests-iran-229490">amphibious assault ship</a>, "took defensive action" against the Iranian drone as it was "threatening the safety of the ship and the ship's crew."

The drone was "immediately destroyed&nbsp;after it approached within 1,000 yards (914 meters) of the Boxer", Trump said.

"This is the latest of many provocative and hostile actions by Iran, against vessels operating in international waters," he said.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denied on Friday that Iran had lost a drone in the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump said that a US Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone, reported news agency Reuters.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denied on Friday that Iran had lost a drone in the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump said that a US Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone, reported news agency Reuters. We have not lost any drone in the Strait of Hormuz nor anywhere else. I am worried that USS Boxer has shot down their own UAS by mistake! — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) July 19, 2019 × "We have not lost any drone in the Strait of Hormuz nor anywhere else. I am worried that USS Boxer has shot down their own UAS [Unmanned Aerial System] by mistake!," Araqchi said on Twitter, referring to a US warship in the strategic waterway. Tensions in the Gulf region mounted Thursday after Trump announced that the USS Boxer, an amphibious assault ship, "took defensive action" against the Iranian drone as it was "threatening the safety of the ship and the ship's crew." The drone was "immediately destroyed after it approached within 1,000 yards (914 meters) of the Boxer", Trump said. "This is the latest of many provocative and hostile actions by Iran, against vessels operating in international waters," he said.

Iran's deputy foreign minister says Tehran has not lost any drone

Iran has recently released footage allegedly showing drone and the USS Boxer, disproving the US downed drone claim. Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump said the USS Boxer destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the aircraft threatened the ship by flying to within 1,000 yards of it.

Breaking News: Iran releases footage as 'proof' disproving the US downed drone claim

President Donald Trump said today that the USS Boxer destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the aircraft threatened the ship by flying to within 1,000 yards of it. Watch this video to know more.

Iran-US tension rises, US downs Iranian drone while Iran denies claim

President Donald Trump said the USS Boxer destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the aircraft threatened the ship by flying to within 1,000 yards of it.

US ship destroyed Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz: President Donald Trump

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WION Exclusive: UK ships advised to avoid Strait of Hormuz