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Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Wednesday, 10 July 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 July 2019. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Thursday, 1 August 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iran: Tankers

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to de-escalate tensions with Iran, further to fears of retaliation over the seizure of the Iranian tanker Grace 1 by the Royal Navy near Gibraltar on 4 July, and in view of the speech made by the Iranian Defence Minister on 8 July, in which he called the seizure a "threatening and incorrect action" and said that Iran "will certainly not tolerate this type of maritime piracy and it will not be left without a response".

Answer

Since 4th July, the UK has made strenuous efforts to support the resolution of the Grace 1 issue, which remains subject to a legal process in Gibraltar. The former Foreign Secretary spoke to the Iranian Foreign Minister on 17 July with the aim of encouraging de-escalation. However, instead of responding constructively, Iran chose to seize the Stena Impero. The former Foreign Secretary made a statement to the House on 22 July, outlining actions the UK government is taking in response.

We are clear that under international law, Iran had no right to obstruct Stena Impero, let alone board her. This incident was a breach of the principle of free navigation on which the global trading system and the world economy ultimately depend. We urge Iran to release the Stena Impero and her crew.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL17089
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Gibraltar Navy Iran Tankers MV Adrian Darya 1
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk