UK warns Iran of serious consequences over its seizure of tankers

British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt has termed the seizure as unacceptable and called for an emergency meeting following its tanker was seized by Tehran.

London: Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has termed the seizure of tankers by Iran as unacceptable, but warned of serious consequences. He ruled out of exploring any immediate military options.

Following the incident, Hunt called for an emergency meeting of Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms committee to review what is known and what can be done to swiftly secure the release of the two vessels a British-flagged vessel and a Liberian-flagged vessel.

One of the tankers, Stena Impero, is British-flagged. The other, the Mesdar, which has since been reported to have been released although this wasn't confirmed by the foreign minister, is Liberian-flagged but British-managed.

Hunt said: "Their crews comprise a range of nationalities, but we understand there are no British citizens on board either ship.”

"Our Ambassador in Tehran is in contact with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve the situation and we are working closely with international partners. It is essential that freedom of navigation is maintained and that all ships can move safely and freely in the region."