Economics
U.K. Seeks to Calm Tensions With Iran After Tanker Seizure
- Ellwood urges de-escalation, Hammond downplays sanctions risk
- Iran seized U.K.-flagged oil tanker Friday in Strait of Hormuz
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The U.K. sought to lower tensions after Iran seized a British oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, an incident that increased friction in one of the world’s critical energy chokepoints.
The U.K. demanded the immediate release of the Stena Impero and on Saturday summoned Iran’s charge d’affaires, Mohsen Omidzamani, in London. While the government threatened Iran with “serious consequences” and advised U.K. ships to avoid the area, ministers on Sunday sought to dial down the rhetoric.