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UK accuses Iran of seizing British ship in Omani waters

LONDON, July 20 (KUNA) -- The UK on Saturday accused Iran of seizing British tanker, Sena Impero, in Omani waters before leading it forcibly to Iranian shores, regarding the move a "clear contravention of international law." In remarks to the press, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt described the incident as a "tit-for-tat situation" following Britain's recent seizure of an Iranian vessel close to Gibraltar. "Nothing could be further from the truth," he said.
Grace1 was held "legally" and in "with respect to due process" by Gibraltarian authorities after having found to be carrying oil to Syria in breach of EU sanctions, he suggested.
He also said that the threat for British ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz has been raised to level three - the highest and most critical stage - after earlier having attended emergency COBR talks on the matter with fellow ministers.
A statement would be made at the House of Commons on Monday over "further measures" the UK will be assuming, he added.
Amid talks with his opposite number, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Hunt said Britain's "priority continues to be to find a way to de-escalate the situation," highlighting the need for the release of the British ship. (end) mrn.sd