NATO has condemned Iran over its seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
The western military alliance said the action represents a “clear challenge to international freedom of navigation.”
It said all its members “remain concerned by Iran's destabilising activities” and welcomed UK claims that it will attempt to address the situation through “dialogue and diplomacy.”
ran originally said the Stena Impero tanker was held because it collided with an Iranian fishing boat and ignored its distress calls.
However, the country has since suggested the action was in response to the UKs seizure of an Iranian tanker off Gibraltar earlier this month.
A spokesperson for the country’s Guardian Council said "the rule of reciprocal action is well-known in international law."
Stena Bulk, the Swedish company that owns the ship, said the Head of Marine Affairs at the Iranian Port of Bandar Abbas has assured it that the crew are in ‘good health’ and arrangements are being made for it to visit with them.
The UK is reportedly planning a range of diplomatic and economic measures against Iran – including potential asset freezes – in response to the seizure.
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is expected to announce the measures in a statement to the Commons next week.
