Relations between Iran and the UK took a nosedive after British authorities in Gibraltar seized the tanker Grace 1, carrying Iranian oil. Tehran slammed the detention as illegal and demanded its release. Iranian authorities later detained a British tanker for alleged maritime violations, but noted that it was not in retaliation for the Grace 1.
UK Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said in a statement on 1 August that London is not planning to negotiate with Iran over a suggested mutual release of previously arrested tankers and called on the Islamic Republic to act “responsibly” to mend its relations with the UK.