Iranian Tanker Set To Leave Gibraltar Despite US Pressure
The US has issued a warrant to seize the Iranian oil tanker.
The shipping agent for an Iranian supertanker caught in a diplomatic stand-off says the vessel is ready to depart from Gibraltar in "24 to 48 hours".
This comes after the US Justice Department issued a warrant to seize the Iranian oil tanker, a day after a judge in Gibraltar ordered it to be released.
Richard de la Rosa, managing director of Astralship, said that logistical preparations are underway and that a new crew of Indian and Ukrainian nationals is expected to take command of the ship.
The Grace 1 supertanker, which is carrying 2.1m barrels of oil, was seized by Royal Marines and local police last month.
It was detained in Gibraltar for allegedly attempting to breach European Union sanctions on Syria.
The Stena Impero still remains held by the Islamic Republic.
Iran said they seized the tanker because it failed "to respect international maritime rule"
Neither Tehran nor London have responded to the warrant.