Greek court overturns US crude seizure: Tehran

Iran said today it expects the return of a cargo of its crude that was seized by the US in Greek waters last month, citing a court of appeals ruling in the Mediterranean country.

Iran's embassy in Greece said the court has overturned an initial ruling that allowed the US to seize the Lana, which was found to be carrying 845,000 bl of Iranian crude. Argus has been unable to verify the court ruling.

"The entire oil shipment will be returned", the embassy said in a Tweet, adding that Greece and Iran will consult on implementing the appeals court ruling.

Part of the Lana's cargo was transferred onto the Ice Energy for delivery to the US, but the latter remains in Greek waters.

A return of the crude to Iran could facilitate the release of Greek-flagged tankers Delta Poseidon and Prudent Warrior, which were detained by Iran in the days after the Lana was seized. Owners of one of these tankers, taking part at the Posidonia 2022 shipping fair in Greece, refused to comment about negotiations.

By Elshan Aliyev