September 27, 2023

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Iran Releases South Korean Oil Tanker Seized Over Frozen Funds

Iran introduced a South Korean oil tanker that experienced been at the heart of a dispute above punishing U.S. sanctions on Tehran, the exact day Western and Iranian officials agreed to continue talks aimed at reviving the embattled 2015 nuclear accord.

The Hankuk Chemi, a South Korean-flagged ship that Iran impounded in January, left an Iranian port at five:fifty a.m. area time on Friday, South Korea’s International Ministry stated. Tehran initially seized the ship, together with its captain and 19 crew members, for what it stated had been violations of environmental principles.

South Korea paid out $one hundred,000 for the launch of the ship—lower than Iran’s asking selling price of $14 million, according to a Western official briefed on the talks. The South Korean International Ministry didn’t reply to requests for comment.

Iran detained the Hankuk Chemi’s captain till Friday. Some of the crew members experienced been introduced previously and went again to South Korea, while many others stayed on the ship for upkeep purposes.

“The health of the crew and captain are audio. The ship’s cargo is also in good problem,” the South Korean International Ministry stated. A spokesman for Tehran’s International Ministry stated the ship was introduced “following the completion of investigations” of its alleged misconduct.