Britain says Iran attempted to block its oil tanker

by William Schomberg

 

FILE PHOTO: A British Royal Navy patrol vessel guards the oil supertanker Grace 1, suspected of carrying Iranian crude oil to Syria, as it sits anchored in waters of the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, July 4, 2019. REUTERS/Jon Nazca/File Photo

 

LONDON (Reuters) - Three Iranian vessels tried to block the passage of a BP-operated tanker through the Strait of Hormuz but withdrew after warnings from a British warship, the British government said on Thursday.

 

The stand off followed a warning by U.S. President Donald Trump that U.S. sanctions on Iran would soon be “substantially” increased as part of Washington’s drive to curb Iran’s nuclear activities and regional behavior.

 

Britain urged Iran to “de-escalate the situation in the region” after the incident involving British Heritage, which is operated by BP (BP.L) under an Isle of Man flag.

 

“HMS Montrose was forced to position herself between the Iranian vessels and British Heritage and issue verbal warnings to the Iranian vessels, which then turned away,” a British government spokesman said in a statement.

 

The incident came almost a week after British Royal Marines boarded an Iranian tanker, the Grace 1, off Gibraltar and seized it on suspicion that it was breaking EU sanctions by taking oil to Syria.

 

Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, had said the British seizure would not go unanswered but the Islamic Republic denied it had sought to stop the British Heritage.

 

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif dismissed the British report as “worthless”, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

 

(Graphic: British Heritage - tmsnrt.rs/32jajEC)

 

KEY SHIPPING LANE

 

A BP spokesman said the oil major’s top priority was the safety and security of its crews and vessels, adding: “While we are not commenting on these events, we thank the Royal Navy for their support.”

 

BP CEO Bob Dudley, asked about the tensions in the Gulf at an event at London’s Chatham House on Wednesday evening, said: “We’ve got to be super careful about our ships”.

 

The world’s most important oil artery links Middle East oil producers with markets in Asia, Europe, North America and beyond. It is just 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point but the shipping lane is just two miles (three km) wide in either direction.

 

Shipping tracker data showed the UK-flagged crude oil tanker Pacific Voyager operated by Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd (9104.T) took a similar route to the British Heritage on Wednesday through the Strait of Hormuz. Refinitiv data shows four other UK registered tankers are currently present in the Gulf.

 

Tensions in the Gulf have been rising over recent weeks as Iran began to move away from the terms of the 2015 nuclear accord it struck with world powers.

 

The United States withdrew from the pact last year and extended sanctions against Iran, effectively driving Iran from mainstream oil markets and forcing it to find unconventional ways to sell crude, it’s main revenue earner.

 

That has deprived Tehran of the economic benefits Iran was to accrue in return for curbing its nuclear program, and the Islamic Republic says it will only return to full compliance once sanctions are lifted and Washington rejoins the pact.

 

“CLASH OF WILLS”

 

The long-time foes say publicly they want to avoid war but the risk of direct confrontation has been rising. Last month, Iran shot down a U.S. drone near the Strait of Hormuz.

 

Trump aborted a retaliatory military strike, saying it could have killed 150 people, and signaled he was open to talks with Tehran without preconditions.

 

The United States hopes to enlist allies over the next two weeks or so in a military coalition to safeguard strategic waters off Iran and Yemen, Marine General Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Tuesday.

 

European parties to the nuclear accord - Britain, France and Germany - have sought to keep the deal alive but Iran has said it will take further steps away from the accord unless it is allow to resume normal oil sales.

 

Francois Lecointre, the French armed forces chief, described the friction between the United States and France as a “clash of wills”.

 

“I think it is under control now... I don’t think it can spiral out of control but there can be escalation,” he told CNews television.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-07-11

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4 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

but the Islamic Republic denied it had sought to stop the British Heritage.

does anybody think that Iran or any other nation guilty of doing something wrong will have say """ yes, it was us, we did it """ will never happen even when caught with their hands in the candy jar

6 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif dismissed the British report as “worthless”, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

he has too, dictatorship/totalitarian government will cut his head off if he doesn't downgrade the issue .... next week they will say ""it's not us,  it's them, they step into our territorial waters, we had no other alternative""

Nice Brexit distraction, but I hope that after the Iraq fiasco, the British will not be fooled again by those ready and willing to fight to the last drop of other people's blood to secure right-wing American interests.

Probably a forlorn hope, mind you. I suppose we will continue to pose and grandstand on the world stage as though we matter that much in the grand scheme of things.

13 hours ago, Mavideol said:

does anybody think that Iran or any other nation guilty of doing something wrong will have say """ yes, it was us, we did it """ will never happen even when caught with their hands in the candy jar

And who think that, IF Iranian will come with flags to give a clear view of them, and certainly let the world, and America to be right. Who is so stupid to think so??? Just asking. And by the way, does anybody really believe that Iran would do so, with the whole world watching. Are they so stupid? But would like to know who have paid for it to look like Iranian attack…...

26 minutes ago, Snuller21 said:

And who think that, IF Iranian will come with flags to give a clear view of them, and certainly let the world, and America to be right. Who is so stupid to think so??? Just asking. And by the way, does anybody really believe that Iran would do so, with the whole world watching. Are they so stupid? But would like to know who have paid for it to look like Iranian attack…...

 

Maybe the same ones who paid this guy to air such threats?

 

Adviser warns Tehran could seize UK oil tanker if Iranian ship not released

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/05/middleeast/oil-tanker-gibraltar-iran-intl-gbr/index.html

 

9 hours ago, baboon said:

Nice Brexit distraction, but I hope that after the Iraq fiasco, the British will not be fooled again by those ready and willing to fight to the last drop of other people's blood to secure right-wing American interests.

Probably a forlorn hope, mind you. I suppose we will continue to pose and grandstand on the world stage as though we matter that much in the grand scheme of things.

 

I think it's probably right wing Arabian interests with the Americans only too willing to sell them weapons. A lot of their wealth is going to be left in the ground so I think they're probably trying to leverage their current wealth into some kind of regional dominance. Partnering with the Israelis for the time being but they'll probably come into conflict with each other at some point in the future.

4 hours ago, car720 said:

what will happen to all these folks if the world no longer needs oil?

Trump would apply tariffs on all countries unless they buy American oil & gas.

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Three Iranian vessels tried to block the passage of a BP-operated tanker through the Strait of Hormuz

May they just lost their way like the U.S. drone. But they were likely in Iranian waters.

20 hours ago, Mavideol said:

does anybody think that Iran or any other nation guilty of doing something wrong will have say """ yes, it was us, we did it """ will never happen even when caught with their hands in the candy jar

Does anyone really think that Iran really tried to stop a British ship with a few rubber ducks, in plain sight of a British naval frigate, which had 30mm deck guns trained on them?

 

 

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A BP spokesman said the oil major’s top priority was the safety and security of its crews and vessels, adding:

“.... but we will continue to force our ships thru Iranian territorial waters, under military escort, with complete disregard for regional stability.”

UK blocked Iran ship out of evidence and Iran is just retaliating.

What UK has expected??

3 hours ago, Srikcir said:

May they just lost their way like the U.S. drone. But they were likely in Iranian waters.

 

Which would still not be enough to lawfully stop the ship.

3 hours ago, jany123 said:

Does anyone really think that Iran really tried to stop a British ship with a few rubber ducks, in plain sight of a British naval frigate, which had 30mm deck guns trained on them?

 

 

 

I wouldn't know about "anybody". I do think you're either misinformed or misrepresenting the situation. The Iranian vessels aren't "rubber ducks", and as far as I understand, the frigate was called in after the attempt (or indication of one) to stop the ship.

3 hours ago, jany123 said:

“.... but we will continue to force our ships thru Iranian territorial waters, under military escort, with complete disregard for regional stability.”

 

Whereas Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz will do wonders for regional stability? Or World economy?

3 hours ago, jany123 said:

Does anyone really think that Iran really tried to stop a British ship with a few rubber ducks, in plain sight of a British naval frigate, which had 30mm deck guns trained on them?

 

 

You call them rubber ducks, probably the same type of boat that humiliated the Americans not so long ago.

1 hour ago, Galactus said:

UK blocked Iran ship out of evidence and Iran is just retaliating.

What UK has expected??

 

There was enough evidence to at least stop the Iranian tanker and crew for questioning. It was even detailed in several of the OP's discussing the incident. I suggest you try and read them. Further links and explanations appear in posts therein.

 

Iran, on the other hand, does not have much of legal cause to stop the UK ship.

1 hour ago, Galactus said:

UK blocked Iran ship out of evidence and Iran is just retaliating.

What UK has expected??

 

From a totalitarian regime that imprisons foreign nationals on a whim and publicly hangs homosexuals from crane jibs, I guess the UK was expecting "games to be played". Especially as this regime likes to huff and puff and threaten everyone.

 

Their comic pantomime, I suspect, is a diversion, while they continue funding terrorism against the West and regional allies, and seek ways to undermine and destroy Israel.

37 minutes ago, Morch said:

 

I wouldn't know about "anybody". I do think you're either misinformed or misrepresenting the situation. The Iranian vessels aren't "rubber ducks", and as far as I understand, the frigate was called in after the attempt (or indication of one) to stop the ship.

C’mon... the three Iranian boats might as well have been canoes, compared to a British naval frigate. 

 

And... A British naval frigate just doesn’t appear magically... it was there already.

 

sure... a misrepresentation.. just as is trying to maintain (the new axis of evil... not you) that the Iranian interception of a British vessel was actually ever going to happen.... was ever actually a thing.

 

speak truth to truth... speak BS to BS

 

40 minutes ago, colinneil said:

You call them rubber ducks, probably the same type of boat that humiliated the Americans not so long ago.

That’s the truth of it... but I’m now calling them canoes, for all they are worth, when sent against a British naval frigate.

44 minutes ago, Morch said:

 

Whereas Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz will do wonders for regional stability? Or World economy?

Diplomacy and abiding by previously negotiated deals might be an alternative.

On 7/11/2019 at 6:23 PM, snoop1130 said:

A BP spokesman said the oil major’s top priority was the safety and security of its crews and vessels, adding:

 

3 hours ago, jany123 said:

“.... but we will continue to force our ships thru Iranian territorial waters, under military escort, with complete disregard for regional stability.”

 

48 minutes ago, Morch said:

 

Whereas Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz will do wonders for regional stability? Or World economy?

as you are oft want to point out... I did not make the claim that your response/questions of me suggest

 

if BP is truly interested in the security of its crews, it would not send its crews into a disputed waterway during increased tensions between various nations, one of whom is regional, and the others which are far from home, in the formers front yard.

 

US economic terrorism directed at Iran is responsible for the increased tension and destabilization of regional security.... British war ships in the region, also heighten tensions, and add to destabilization of regional security (esp after seizing the grace)

 

But... as to your question about what would potentially reduce regional tension and improve stability... The US returning to the non proliferation agreement would probably be the most effective way to achieve that (as the simplest of a bunch of really hard solutions) ... and I know that you know that this is my position vs any action by Iran itself

31 minutes ago, jany123 said:

That’s the truth of it... but I’m now calling them canoes, for all they are worth, when sent against a British naval frigate.

It may pay to educate yourself in regard to Iranian naval capability and philosophy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_of_the_Islamic_Revolutionary_Guard_Corps

10 minutes ago, Ozman52 said:

It may pay to educate yourself in regard to Iranian naval capability and philosophy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_of_the_Islamic_Revolutionary_Guard_Corps

Lmao..... thanks.... now that I’m educated, I see that Iran mobilized a large portion of its naval vessels to harass the British.

 

From your link.... the Iranian navy, complete with armed dinghies and inflatables.... there’s a few kangaroos loose in the top paddock, ol mate.

 

On 7/11/2019 at 10:36 PM, baboon said:

Nice Brexit distraction, but I hope that after the Iraq fiasco, the British will not be fooled again by those ready and willing to fight to the last drop of other people's blood to secure right-wing American interests.

Probably a forlorn hope, mind you. I suppose we will continue to pose and grandstand on the world stage as though we matter that much in the grand scheme of things.

It's about time the UK said <deleted> to uncle trump before it's too late,we were grateful for everything 80 years ago but times have changed,we paid you back every cent back we owed you in the following 60 years at god knows what interest rate,maybe it should be put on the side of a red bus

2 hours ago, jany123 said:

Lmao..... thanks.... now that I’m educated, I see that Iran mobilized a large portion of its naval vessels to harass the British.

 

From your link.... the Iranian navy, complete with armed dinghies and inflatables.... there’s a few kangaroos loose in the top paddock, ol mate.

 

 

That's not Iran's navy. This is Iran's navy.

Don't miss their subs with 18 torpedos each.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_ships_of_the_Islamic_Republic_of_Iran_Navy

25 minutes ago, rabas said:

 

That's not Iran's navy. This is Iran's navy.

Don't miss their subs with 18 torpedos each.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_ships_of_the_Islamic_Republic_of_Iran_Navy

Now that is a much better link.... thanks... that actually does educate.

12 hours ago, car720 said:

what will happen to all these folks if the world no longer needs oil?

Unless we switch nearly all of our energy demands to nuclear that is a long long way off. 

 

Going electric is great - but where does all of that instant electricity demand come from?

 

What about Air-Transport, Air-cargo, Shipping ?...  Batteries are either to heavy or insufficient - so unless battery tech is dramatically improved, its still Oil. 

 

 

Its lovely to be politically correct and imply we don't need oil, but realistically society will have to undergo dramatic changes if we are to do without oil any time soon (i.e. in the next 100 years or so) unless there are major technological energy breakthroughs. 

 

On 7/12/2019 at 9:25 PM, bomber said:

It's about time the UK said <deleted> to uncle trump before it's too late,we were grateful for everything 80 years ago but times have changed,we paid you back every cent back we owed you in the following 60 years at god knows what interest rate,maybe it should be put on the side of a red bus

Alas, I don't see it happening. Without hanging on to America's coat tails, who are we exactly? 

A friendless island in the North Atlantic, clinging desperately on to former glories while the rest of the world has long since moved on.

We won't even be able to serve as a Trojan horse for American interests once we depart the EU with No Deal and our tail between our legs.

Result? Either Airstrip One or cast completely adrift. To say I am gloomy is something of an understatement...

12 hours ago, car720 said:

what will happen to all these folks if the world no longer needs oil?

Could be the cause of a lot of friction.