The Pegas tanker, that has recently changed its name to Lana, foreground, is seen off the port of Karystos on the Aegean Sea island of Evia, Greece, May 27, 2022. (THANASSIS / STAVRAKIS / AP)
TEHRAN – Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization announced in a statement that the crew members of the two Greek oil tankers seized by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps in the Gulf have not been detained and are in full health, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.
According to a statement of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization, all crew members onboard the ships are being protected in accordance with international law
The statement said the two tankers have been impounded due to committing maritime violations, noting that the issue is under investigation based on the available evidence and documents.
It gave the assurance that the required judicial measures will be taken following the completion of the investigations and collection of the needed evidence.
According to the statement, all crew members onboard the ships are being protected in accordance with international law.
ALSO READ: Iran seizes 2 Greek tankers amid row over US oil grab
The IRGC seized on Friday two Greek oil tankers in the Gulf days after a Russian-operated ship was captured by Greece in its territorial waters and its Iranian crude cargo was confiscated by the United States.
Earlier in the day, Iran's Nour News, affiliated with the country's Supreme National Security Council, reported that the country was going to take "punitive action" against Greece over the tanker's seizure.
On Wednesday, the PMO issued a statement, describing the US seizure of the Iranian oil cargo from the ship in Greece's territorial waters as an "act of piracy" that was "in violation of international standards."