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Iran confirms seizure of foreign cargo ship in Persian Gulf

Xinhua, April 29, 2015 Adjust font size:

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham confirmed on Wednesday the seizure of a foreign cargo ship by Iranian navy forces in the Persian Gulf and defended Iran's action as "legal," Press TV reported.

"The move was in the framework of the laws and regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and consistent with International regulations and protocols," Afkham was quoted as saying.

Iranian navy seized a Marshall Islands-flagged cargo ship in the Persian Gulf on an Iranian court order on Tuesday over financial disputes between the ship owner and Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization, semi-official Fars news agency reported.

All 24 crew members of various nationalities on board the ship are "in full health," Afkham said, adding that they can receive "unrestricted" consular services.

She expressed the hope that the ship could be released soon after "its overdue debt is settled," adding that the vessel is currently docked at the Bahonar Port near Bandar Abbas in south Iran. Endit