The North Atlantic Alliance expressed its condemnation in connection with the seizure of two oil tankers in Iran, one of which was flying the British flag, in the Strait of Hormuz.
“This is a direct challenge to international freedom of navigation,” the alliance said in a statement.
NATO called for the immediate release of the detained tanker and the crew.
The Iranian side detained the British tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19 in connection with its violation of international shipping regulations. On board are 23 crew members, including three Russians.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that Iran’s actions are aimed at observing maritime rules.