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UK "extremely concerned" as Iran seizes second ship in Hormuz Strait

LONDON, July 19 (KUNA) -- The UK is "extremely concerned" by Iran's capture of two naval vessels, one of which is British-flagged, in the Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Friday.
In a statement, the secretary said that in addition to the British tanker recently seized, Iranian authorities are now also holding a Liberian-flagged ship. However, he said there are no British nationals onboard either ship.
The move was deemed "unacceptable," and Hunt said it was "essential that freedom of navigation is maintained and that all ships can move safely and freely in the region." As things stand, the British embassy in Tehran is meeting Iranian officials, as he is holding emergency talks with Cabinet officials in London over the vessels' release.
The UK is also "working closely with international partners" on the matter, he added. (end) mrn.sd