US revokes visas for Iran tanker crew after failing to extend detention

The US said it was revoking visas for the crew of an Iranian oil tanker that has been released from detention in Gibraltar as Tehran denied it had given assurances the vessel would not sail to Syria.

However, the Russian TASS news agency, cited a report from Iran’s Tasnim News Agency quoting Iran foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Musavi as saying Tehran had consistently maintained "Syria is not the tanker’s point of destination and continue to say the same".

"However, even if it was heading to the Syrian Arab Republic, it would be exclusively our business."

The vessel, the Grace 1, was carrying Iranian oil and seized by Royal Marines last month. Authorities alleged the cargo was destined for Syria in breach of an EU embargo. The US made a last-ditch attempt to seize the vessel on Thursday.

Gibraltar chief minister Fabian Picardo said he received written assurance on Tuesday from Iran that the vessel would not travel to Syria and was now free to sail.

The US State Department overnight again claimed the Grace 1 was "assisting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by transporting oil from Iran to Syria".

"This could result in serious consequences for any individuals associated with the Grace 1. The IRGC has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States. Crewmembers of vessels assisting the IRGC by transporting oil from Iran may be ineligible for visas or admission to the United States," the department said in a statement.

"The maritime community should be aware that the U.S. government intends to revoke visas held by members of such crews. In the case of the Grace 1 , we will continue to act consistent with our existing policies concerning those who provide material support to the IRGC."

Two weeks after the Grace's detention, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized a British tanker, the Stena Impero, near the Strait of Hormuz.

The US last year withdrew from a 2015 deal to limit Iran's nuclear activities, amid suspicion that Tehran was still trying to develop nuclear weapons. Tensions have increased after Washington imposed and tightened sanctions against the country.