US MOVES TO SEIZE IRANIAN TANKER DETAINED IN GIBRALTAR

Grace 1, detained by Gibraltar

According to published reports from the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, the US Department of Justice has filed an application there, pursuant to the Mutual Legal Assistance treaty with the United Kingdom, to seize the Grace 1, the Iranian oil tanker detained by Gibraltarian authorities for violations of the international sanctions against Syria. The vessel, containing Iranian crude oil, was allegedly en route to a Syrian refinery. It was seized in waters within Gibraltar's maritime jurisdiction.

The vessel has Panamanian registry, but the Panama Maritime Authority de-listed it on May 29, due to reports that it was being used for terrorist financing. Iran clams ownership of the ship, and has objected to its seizure and detention. The shipping manifest shows it as carrying Iraqi oil, but Iran has admitted it is of Iranian origin.

A hearing on the matter has been scheduled for 1600 hours today, local time, at the Supreme Court of Gibraltar.