US Seeks to Prevent Iranian Tanker Adrian Darya From Off-Loading in Mediterranean Ports


The oil-laden Iranian tanker Adrian Darya currently appears to be heading to Turkey after its release from detention off Gibraltar after a five-week standoff.

US National Security Adviser John Bolton has strongly urged not to allow the Iranian tanker Adrian Darya to off-load in a Mediterranean port, in a Twitter statement on Sunday.

“All hands on deck in the campaign to stop Iran from funding terror, destabilizing the globe, and breaking international sanctions. The illicit oil heading to Turkey on the Adrian Darya 1 must not be allowed off-loaded in port or at sea”, tweeted Bolton.

Earlier, on 25 August the Iranian Navy’s Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari stated the country’s naval forces are ready to escort the oil tanker Adrian Darya (formerly known as the Grace 1), recently released by Gibraltar authorities after more than a month-long detention, if Tehran deems it necessary.

“Iran’s naval forces have already safeguarded over 6,000 vessels passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and are ready to escort Iranian vessels anytime and anywhere that is needed”, the admiral said.