Tehran 0
22 July 2019

Referring to the recent tensions with the UK, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif stated that “it's important for everybody to realize, it's important for Boris Johnson to understand, that Iran does not seek confrontation”. He added that “Iran wants to have normal relations based on mutual respect”. UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s spokesperson stated that “we do not seek confrontation with Iran but it is unacceptable and highly escalatory to seize a ship going about legitimate business through internationally recognized shipping lanes”. Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt described Iran’s 19 July detention of the UK-flagged Stena Impero as “state piracy”, adding that “we will now seek to put together a European-led maritime protection mission to support safe passage of both crew and cargo in this vital region”.  

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