Spanish state-owned TV says Iranian oil tanker leaves Gibraltar

MADRID, Aug 19 (KUNA) -- An Iranian oil supertanker seized by the UK, which triggered an altercation between Tehran and the West, moved away from Gibraltar on Sunday where it had been impounded for over a month, Spanish state TV reported.
The Adrian Darya, formerly known as the Grace 1, set sail under an Iranian flag to an undisclosed location, despite a warrant issued by a US federal court for the seizure of the tanker on grounds that it violated international law.
Authorities in Gibraltar said they could not comply with the US order given the fact that the British overseas territory is bound by EU law, saying EU sanctions against Iran, which are applicable in Gibraltar are "much narrower" than those applicable in the US.
British Royal Marines seized the tanker in July on suspicion that it was violating EU sanctions, triggering a series of events that led to heightened tensions in the world's most strategic oil chokepoint.
The events come amid months of confrontation between Iran and the US, which have pushed both countries to the brink of war. (end) hnd.kna.nam