Iran To Release Crew of Seized Greek Tankers

Facts

• Iran has reportedly agreed to release 49 crew members of two Greek tankers –the MT Prudent Warrior and Delta Poseidon– seized in May by its Revolutionary Guards after the US confiscated oil from the Iranian-flagged tanker Lana in Greece.
• On Mon., the Greek shipping minister Yannis Plakiotakis confirmed that a Greek sailor from the vessel Delta Poseidon was the first crew member to have left for Greece.
• Polembros shipping, manager of the MT Prudent Warrior, has expressed its hope that both the crew and the vessel could be released, adding that the crew "are in good health and are treated well."
• This comes a day after a Greek seafarers union confirmed that the crews would be replaced, allowing them to return home. However, it remains unclear whether the tankers will also be released.
• The Panhellenic Union of Merchant Navy Sailors declared that this development was achieved after a Greek delegation visited Iran.
• Lana, formerly Pegas, was seized by Greece in Apr., and had its oil cargo confiscated by the US due to sanctions. In July, it was eventually released and its oil cargo was retrieved.

Sources: Iran International, Yahoo, Reuters, I24, and Asharq Al-Awsat English.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by Breitbart. Iran's theft of these two Greek tankers is just another example of the corrosive effect the Islamic Republic has had throughout the Middle East and beyond. Before these current tensions even began, Iran had attacked major oil shipping lanes and infrastructure to pursue its goal of regional hegemony. The US cannot allow Iran to commit these acts unabated.
• Narrative B, as provided by Tehran Times. Iran's actions were strictly punitive and in response to the US's seizure of Iranian oil. Iran has no interest in disrupting the global oil market, as it simply wants to ensure the security of its national assets. Showcasing Iranian restraint, the detained crew members have been, by all accounts, treated in accordance with international law.